The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) hosted a visit by the Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO) and the Fleet Master Chief of Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education (MPT&E) July 29.
With only four fleet master chiefs in the Navy, Fleet Master Chief April Beldo assumed her duties in March.
During her time on board, Beldo toured several spaces and met with members of the NIMSG chief petty officer’s mess. She thanked the chiefs for what they do every day and for setting Sailors up for success. She provided updates on career navigator, career waypoints, advancement opportunities and praised their efforts to execute CPO 365. Fleet Beldo also reemphasized to the Mess their role as leaders in combatting the problems of sexual assault, suicide and ARIs.
Fleet Beldo also met and spoke with the first class petty officer association (FCPOA), Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD), and Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) team.
In her discussions with the FCPOA, Beldo encouraged the first classes to continue preparing themselves for chief while simultaneously preparing their replacements.
“You’re preparing them to be your replacements because some of you will be Chief Petty Officers soon… I am confident when you get selected your sailors will be standing right there, ready to move into your position,” said Beldo.
In talking to the FCPOA she also covered several other topics of interest including hazing, command development boards, liberty port visits, and the ongoing fight against sexual assault.
“I have found in my 30 years of service it is my responsibility to continue to carry the message of good order and discipline daily. I have the same expectations of each and every one of you,” said Beldo.
Beldo and VCNO Adm. Mark Ferguson visited Nimitz while the Strike Group deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom.
[mappress] Press Release, August 1, 2013; Image: US Navy