VCNO Talks to Seabees About Family Support Programs

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) Jesse Sherwin

April 21, 2010 - NAVAL BASE VENTURA COUNTY, Calif (NNS) -- Seabees, Sailors and family members from Naval Base Ventura County were paid a visit by Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert, vice chief of naval operations, April 19 and 20.

The main purpose of his visit was to assess and discuss quality of life and Family Readiness programs at the base and in the Southwest Region.

During his visit Greenert toured both the Port Hueneme and Point Mugu bases, talked to ombudsman from various commands and had an all hands call in the Port Hueneme theater.

During the all hands call he emphasized that top flag officers in both Iraq and Afghanistan have been very impressed with the naval construction and naval aviation support to those regions.

"I have deep respect for what you do," he said to the standing room only crowd.

Greenert said that he wants to ensure that as the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq draw down that Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) programs do not draw down as well.

He talked about a new planned-modular-training program that will teach and refresh Sailors about the many support programs available to them and to their families. The program is set to begin in August and be fully implemented in the Navy by December. From the time the Sailor enters the Navy at their Military Entrance and Processing station throughout each milestone in their career, Sailors will receive formal training about the programs available to them and their families.

After talking about Family Readiness and FFSC programs he opened the floor up for questions.

Questions during the all hands call focused on existing FFSC programs with some questions regarding to the Perform to Serve program, new uniforms and current medical programs and benefits.

Greenert concluded the all hands call by reminding everyone that April is Sexual Assault Prevention month. He stated that everyone needs to display the courage to stop a situation that is conductive to sexual assault.

"We must step in, be intrusive and be a good shipmate," he said.