MCPON Tours USS Chafee

Master Chief Petty Officer of the U.S. Navy (MCPON) Mike Stevens visited Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam during a two-week fleet enhancement trip to the Pacific region April 14.

While in Pearl Harbor, Stevens visited the guided missile destroyer USS Chafee (DDG 90) where he was given a guided tour that included the ship’s Combat Information Center and the Central Control Station as well as a briefing in the Chief’s Mess.

“It was a real pleasure to host the MCPON onboard the Chafee. I had a great sit-down with him and discussed items such as manning and port support. He also gave me a good perspective on what they are talking about in Washington that affects Sailors,” said Cmdr. Anthony Littman, USS Chafee’s commanding officer. “It was just an honor because our Sailors work really hard and it’s good to know that they are getting the attention they deserve from the Navy leadership.”

While onboard the Chafee, Stevens took the time to speak with junior enlisted Sailors.

“The visit from the MCPON was a really great experience. I know my shipmates and I appreciated it a lot, it was a lot of fun,” said Gas Turbine System (Mechanical) 3rd Class Brandi Brader. “I think it makes the junior Sailors feel really good when someone from higher in the chain asks them about their personal lives, not in depth, but enough to try and get to know them a little bit.”

When asked about the importance of his visit to Pearl Harbor and any advice he had for Sailors looking to advance their career objectives, Stevens said Sailors are the main prority.

“Just like any place that I go in the Navy, it’s important for me to get out and about to hear what is on the minds of Sailors and their families,” said Stevens. “When I get back to Washington D.C. and I offer my advice and recommendations to those things that are going to better help our Navy, I am doing so with what Sailors have told me and what families have told me.”

MCPON reflected on his role of being a link between the Sailors and fleet, policy makers and lawmakers.

“My message has been consistent with regards to this and I call it ‘The Foundation to Success.’ No matter who you are, what rank you are, or what job you hold in the Navy, I say work hard, stay out of trouble, and be a good and decent person. That’s what I call the ‘Foundation of Success’.

During an all-hands call with Sailors on Joint Base, Stevens discussed budget changes, Navy-wide moral and received feedback from Sailors through a question and answer session.

The MCPON serves as the senior enlisted leader of the Navy and as the advisor to the Chief of Naval Operations and to the Chief of Naval Personnel in matters dealing with enlisted personnel and their families.

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Press Release, April 16, 2014; Image: Wikimedia