Master Chief Petty Officer of Navy Visits Sailors on Korean Peninsula

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) (SS/SW) Rick D. West conducted an all-hands call with Sailors in Seoul, Republic of Korea, Oct. 5, to discuss prominent topics including Perform-to-serve, new uniforms and the future of Individual Augumentee (IA) assignments.

With the Navy’s retention rate at an all-time high, manning has become imbalanced in some job fields (rates), said West. Some rates have become critically overmanned, while leaving others undermanned. With so many Sailors deciding to stay in uniform, West said there are three actions Sailors can take to enhance their chances of staying Navy.

“One, it is important to put a lot of detail and effort into evaluations. Next, ensure that you have all the looks in Fleet RIDE (Rating Identification Engine) and PTS. Lastly, be open to changing ratings and more opportunities,” said West.

Fleet RIDE is a Web-based program which electronically matches Sailors’ career interests and qualifications with the jobs for which they are best suited.

During the all-hands, MCPON took the opportunity to thank Sailors for serving and for being a “top quality and diverse force.”

“Only one percent of the nation wears the military uniform,” said West. “We have the special honor of serving our country, and I thank each of you for your outstanding service and dedication”

West encouraged Sailors to “stay the course,” and to continue to excel in the Navy.

“You need to stay fit to fight, physically, mentally, and financially,” said West. “It is important to be ready to take care of business.”

Many Sailors said they were honored to have met with the Navy’s senior enlisted advisor.

“I was glad that MCPON West was here,” said Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class Nathaniel Draper. “Junior enlisted Sailors need to hear the thoughts and concerns of senior leadership.”

West also visited Sailors assigned in the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, including Japan and Bahrain.

Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea, is the regional commander for the U.S. Navy in the Republic of Korea and provides expertise on naval matters to area military commanders, including the commander for the United Nations Command; the Republic of Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command; and commander, U.S. Forces Korea. CNFK also serves as liaison to the ROK navy and the Combined Forces commander staff in armistice and in wartime to commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, based in Yokosuka, Japan.

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Source: navy, October 07, 2011