CNP Visits Naval Station Rota, Spain

Chief of Naval Personnel (CNP) Vice Adm. Scott R. Van Buskirk, visited Naval Station (NAVSTA) Rota, Spain, July 13, to look at base operations and address base personnel on topics including, Perform to Serve, workforce stabilization and the value of the Navy remaining a force of top performers.

Van Buskirk enjoyed breakfast with NAVSTA Rota and tenant command Sailors of the quarter, before receiving a base-wide tour followed by all-hands calls.

“Rota is a growth industry,” said Van Buskirk. “We continue to be a force that is deploying as we stabilize the workforce… that’s why we caution ourselves around the world based on our leadership’s demands about where we need to be and where we need to operate, and Rota is a key component in that. It’s the focus of our leadership.”

Van Buskirk re-emphasized Rota’s vital importance in ensuring the overall success of the Navy, and that the naval station currently is a primary focus due to the Forward Deployed Naval Forces and NATO Ballistic Missile Defense program.

“There are a lot of Sailors seeking orders to Rota and that says a lot about this base’s reputation,” he said.

Van Buskirk also addressed recruiting goals and needs.

“What we offer people as far as careers is important,” he said. “The competition to remain in our service is very key, as we are a performance-driven organization.”

He spoke of troop reduction levels from 380,000 to 320,000 and addressed the Reserve-active mix with regard to missions and deployments.

“From a force management perspective, we’re looking good,” Van Buskirk said. “It’s a good position for our Navy to be in as far as stabilizing … I think our future looks bright.”

Van Buskirk addressed the issue of possible retirement changes during his question and answer session with Sailors.

“All those people who are serving right now, we’re not going to change as far as what you get, in terms of what your retirement system is,” he said. “You should not worry specifically about your specific retirement. We don’t know if it’s going to change at all for the future retirement system … we are going to be grandfathered in. What we came in with is what we’ll stay with.”

He mentioned approximately 17 percent of service members make it to the window of retirement while others get out.

To conclude the all-hands call with the crew, Van Buskirk presented various awards and reenlisted Electronics Technician 2nd Class Jonathan Le.

“Its always an honor and privilege to reenlist in the Navy,” said Le. “Having the opportunity to be reenlisted by the Chief of Naval Personnel is something that I will always remember. I’m going to give it my all and be the best Sailor I can be.”

The admiral spoke highly of the professionalism of today’s Navy team.

“I’m proud of what I’ve been able to do in this service. I’m proud to be associated with each and every one you,” he said. “We’re a total force made up of active, Reserve and civilian components, and I think we’re a winning and successful team.”

The chief of naval personnel is responsible to the chief of naval operations for Navy’s manpower readiness. Dual-titled, CNP also serves as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Manpower, Personnel, Training Education/N1) and oversees the Bureau of Naval Personnel, Navy Personnel Command and the Navy Manpower Analysis Center.

The CNP serves as the single resource for all strategy and resource policies concerning manpower and training program matters.

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Naval Today Staff, July 16, 2012; Image: US Navy