Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus visited Naval Base Kitsap Bremerton and the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) Feb. 6.
Mabus reenlisted 25 Sailors from all over the region, including 15 Reagan Sailors, at a reenlistment ceremony on base. The ceremony was a chance for Sailors to renew their commitment to the Navy and the country while also giving them a chance to be reenlisted by the Navy’s top leader.
“It was exciting to be reenlisted by the Secretary of the Navy,” said Electronics Technician 2nd Class Joseph Rogers. “It’s not every day you get an opportunity like this and I’m very grateful to have this experience.”
After administering the oath of reenlistment to the Sailors, Mabus held an all-hands call where he talked about the current status of the Navy. He covered a wide range of topics including budget solutions, sexual assault prevention, and the Navy’s future, but he made sure he stressed how proud he was of the Navy and its Sailors.
“I and America can’t be more proud of you,” said Mabus. “You have never slowed and you have never faltered.”
Following the reenlistment ceremony, Mabus headed to Reagan to visit with the crew and to have lunch with some Sailors. The visit ended with a cake-cutting ceremony commemorating the birthday of the ship’s namesake, President Ronald Reagan.
“It was a moving experience to sit down right next to Mr. Mabus and have a normal conversation with him,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 3rd Class Elizabeth Irby. “I was able to ask a couple of questions I’ve had on my mind for a while and I was able to get answer directly from someone who could answer my questions.”
Reagan is currently homeported in Bremerton, Wash., while undergoing a Docked Planned Incremental Availability maintenance period at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, February 10, 2013