MCPON Visits Stuttgart, Germany

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Daniel P. Lapierre, Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia Public Affairs

June 11, 2010 - STUTTGART, Germany (NNS) -- Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy(MCPON)(SS/SW) Rick D. West frocked five Sailors and held an all-hands call during his first visit to the greater Stuttgart, Germany, area June 8.

The Stuttgart community houses more than 400 Sailors, between U.S. Africa Command and U.S. European Command. West's visit to U.S. Africa Command was the first visit by a service senior enlisted advisor since its creation Oct. 1, 2008.

West was joined by Master Chief Bradley Levault, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa, and Master Chief Roy Maddocks, U.S. European Command, senior enlisted advisor, during his visit to Stuttgart.

The turnout for the all-hands call, at Patch Barracks movie theatre, was packed with hundreds of Sailors who were eager to hear what West had to say.

"The reason why I'm here is because there are Sailors here. It gives me a chance to spend time with Sailors to hear and learn from them," said West.

The all-hands call covered a variety of topics which included, new working uniform, changes to the Navy's physical readiness program and fleet manning levels.

"It was good to see the Navy's senior enlisted advisor so open and honest when he answered the questions," said Intelligence Specialist 1st Class Felicia Decker.

Prior to the all-hands call, West received a command briefing from U.S. Africa Command, and following the briefing, he frocked five Sailors. The Sailors who he frocked received MCPON coins and a high-five as he thanked them for their continued service to their country.

"It was an honor having the MCPON put on my first star," said Senior Chief Intelligence Specialist Catherine Crilley. "I'm so happy that my husband, Lawrence, was able to fly from Dunkirk, Md., to share this special moment with me. It truly is a highlight of my career."

After the frocking ceremony, West ate lunch with the Africa Chief Petty Officers Association (ACPOA). West used the opportunity to offer some guidance and listen to U.S. Africa Command's deckplate leadership to better understand their Sailors issues. The ACPOA exchanged coins with West and took a few group photos to commemorate the special event.

"It was a great to expose the MCPON to AFRICOM's Navy foot print, and share with him views from our perspective, especially since it was the first visit the MCPON has had here with the Stuttgart Community," said Senior Chief Intelligence Specialist Todd Lerner, ACPOA president.