USA: Master Chief Petty Officer of Navy Visits Oklahoma Sailors

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy completed a visit to the Midwest Aug. 31 meeting with senior enlisted leaders at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma before participating at a petty officer first class symposium.

MCPON(SS/SW) Rick D. West spoke to the first classes on subjects ranging from Perform to Serve and Enlisted Retention Board programs to the future of the Navy.

“Our future chiefs mess should have a very good understanding about the programs that will affect them and the Sailors they will lead,” said West. “This group of Sailors was very energetic about our Navy and their roles as leaders.”

Yeoman 1st Class April Lopez enjoyed having the Navy’s top enlisted leader speak at the symposium. “He is very down to earth and easy to talk to which enabled us to feel free to ask questions on a myriad of topics,” she said.

“I really enjoyed the question-and-answer portion with MCPON,” said Master-at-Arms 1st Class (AW) Brent Christensen. “I was able to get a clear picture and fully understand a lot of the current issues and policy changes that affect Sailors today. And it gave us answers to a lot of questions we have been asking for a while.”

Following the symposium, MCPON visited a local recruiting station and helped present awards to the recruiters.

“These professionals are working hard everyday, and they are sacrificing a lot to accomplish their mission,” said West. “It was an honor to recognize these Sailors for their outstanding work,” said MCPON.

MCPON also took time to answer questions from the recruiters.

“He is such a straight shooter and doesn’t beat around the bush with you,” said Machinist Mate 2nd Class (SW/AW) and recruiter Aaron Homer. “If you have a question, he has an answer.”

During his travels, MCPON met with chief selects at Tinker Air Force Base for some mentoring before wrapping up with a tour of Strategic Communications Wing 1 and Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadrons (VQ) 3 and 4.

MCPON visited Tinker Air Force Base as a fleet engagement. Fleet engagements are intended to provide senior leadership with a frontline assessment of Sailors and what they are doing in the Fleet.

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Source: navy, September 5, 2011;