US Strategic Command in Omaha Welcomes MCPON

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. (NNS) — Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)(AW/NAC) Mike D. Stevens visited U.S. Strategic Command in Omaha and met with Sailors and command senior enlisted leaders Oct. 29.

Stevens thanked Sailors for their significant contributions in detecting, deterring, and preventing attacks against the United States.

“I’m very excited to see you today,” said Stevens during an E-5 and below call at the USSTRATCOM theatre.

MCPON discussed some of the challenges facing today’s Navy, provided insight on his “Zeroing In On Excellence” initiative, and answered questions from junior Sailors.

He highlighted the importance of continuous leadership development.

“Often we can get caught up in things that we have no control over,” said Stevens. “I ask that you focus on the things you do control, like being to work on time, showing up in the right uniform, and performing your job to the best of your ability,” he said.

MCPON received a command brief from Command Sgt. Maj. Pat Alston and a team of Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, and Marines.

USSTRATCOM Sailors contribute to the range of missions assigned to the Combatant Commands, from network warfare and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance designed to protect U.S. assets to space and global strike missions providing the president kinetic and non-kinetic options for strikes around the globe.

Sailors at USSTRATCOM also cooperate with other agencies in the larger meaning of jointness by working in USSTRATCOM’s Joint Functional Component Commands. These commands are not only multi-service, but also work with agencies outside the DoD such as the National Security Agency and the U.S. Department of State.

“It makes my heart feel good to see how Sailors have embraced and thrived while working in a joint environment,” he said. MCPON was pleased to see how leaders let each service contribute to collectively carry out the mission.

Stevens had lunch with the Chief Petty Officers and spoke about the history and evolution of CPO 365.

He highlighted the innovative thinking and commitment the Chiefs have shown with CPO 365 Phase I.

“The Chiefs at this command have adopted the spirit of CPO 365 and figured out how execute it in a way that doesn’t interfere with mission, rather supports the mission,” he said. “I’m proud of each one of you.”

Following lunch, MCPON met with first class petty officers.

He asked them what was on their mind. They asked about pay and compensation, body composition standards, Career Navigator, uniforms, and CPO 365.

“Participating in CPO 365 will help you be the best leader you can be, a more effective leading petty officer, and the by-product of great performance will be you making Chief Petty Officer,” he said.

MCPON had a couple questions for them as well. He asked about Sexual Assault Prevention and Response training. He received feedback on the training including ways to improve the training.

Stevens concluded his visit by thanking the senior leaders for their commitment to the “Heartland Sailors.”

Fleet engagements are intended to provide senior leadership with a frontline assessment of Sailors and what they are doing in the fleet.

[mappress]
Press Release, October 31, 2013