USA: Master Chief Petty Officer of Navy Visits Navy’s Senior Enlisted Academy

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)(AW/NAC) Mike D. Stevens completed his first trip as MCPON to the Navy’s Senior Enlisted Academy (SEA) at Naval Station Newport, R.I., Oct. 24.

MCPON encouraged the current SEA class to capitalize on this chance to learn from one another.

“I am so grateful that all of you have had the opportunity to gain perspective from our brother and sister services during your time in this course,” said Stevens. “I see Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Navy service members in this class and we all need to take advantage of opportunities like this to exchange leadership perspectives and knowledge.”

MCPON took the opportunity to share his priorities with the class and answer their questions.

“Look in the mirror and lead by example,” said Stevens. “If you are doing the right thing for the right reasons on a consistent basis, you will not have to tell your people what to do because they will see you doing it and will follow your example.”

During the one-day trip, MCPON also stopped by the Command Leadership School and Officer Candidate School for quick meet-and-greet sessions, had a working lunch with the SEA staff, and met with the President of the U.S. Naval War College, Rear Adm. John Christenson.

Established in 1981, the SEA serves as an umbrella leadership course for all senior enlisted military, and is now a requirement for Master Chiefs before assuming the position of Command Master Chief or Chief of the Boat. SEA graduates roughly 1,200 students annually varying from active duty Navy, Navy Reserve, Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and International service members. Upon graduation, students take with them a knowledge base of communication skills, leadership and management, national security affairs, Navy programs, and physical fitness.

MCPON was advanced to Master Chief in 2002 and is a graduate of SEA Class 125.

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Naval Today Staff,October 26, 2012; Image: US Navy