Chief of Naval Reserve Visits Stuttgart

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Patrick Grieco, Commander, Navy Reserve Force Public Affairs

STUTTGART, Germany (NNS) -- The chief of the Navy Reserve visited reserve Sailors from U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and U.S. European Command (EUCOM) July 8 during an all hands call at the Patch Barracks Fintess Center in Stuttgart, Germany.

"The main point is how much we appreciate their service," said Vice Adm. Dirk Debbink. "Stuttgart is an important mission and these Sailors have an important mission."

Debbink said he is consistently impressed by the professionalism and dedication of the Navy Reserves.

"I can't go anywhere without someone telling me how incredible our Sailors are," said Debbink. "Giving thanks here is a big part of it, but it's also so I can sense a feel of what's going on and take these issues back to D.C."

Debbink said he believes it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between a Reservist and an active duty Sailor now.

"These days a Sailor is a Sailor," said Debbink. "Whenever we have a requirement for the Navy to fill we look across the entire fleet, active and Reserve. We pick the Sailor who is best suited to fill this requirement."

One Reservist admitted during the all hands call that he was honored to be chosen to fill a billet at one of the Navy's newest commands.

"It was incredible to be handpicked to fill this duty," said Intelligence Specialist 3rd Class James S. Browning, a target imagery analyst with ARICOM.

"Ready now, anytime, anywhere," said Debbink. "We're proud as Reservists and ready to fill whatever requirements are needed. I want Sailors to come back (to their families and friends) feeling like their time was well spent, and they accomplished the mission."

Debbink answered questions ranging from pay issues to dwell time. He said he feels he has a great honor to work with the Reserves.

"It's a privilege to be here serving our Navy in this capacity," said Debbink. "I get up everyday and go to work for 65,000 of our nation's finest. It's the great work these Sailors are doing that makes us happy every day."

EUCOM is led by the Supreme Allied Commander Europe Adm. James Stavridis and conducts military operations and builds partner capacity to enhance security and defend the homeland forward.

AFRICOM, led by Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward, in concert with other U.S. government agencies and international partners, conducts sustained security engagement through military-to-military programs, military-sponsored activities and other military operations as directed to promote a stable and secure African environment in support of U.S. foreign policy.

The mission of the Navy Reserve is to provide strategic depth and deliver operational capabilities to the Navy and Marine Corps team, and Joint forces, from peace to war.