MCPON Visits Misawa Sailors

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew M. Bradley, Naval Air Facility Misawa Public Affairs

MISAWA, Japan (NNS) -- The Navy's most senior enlisted Sailor visited Misawa Air Base, Japan, Aug. 24.

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)(SS/SW) Rick D. West held an all-hands call and toured the base, visiting with Misawa-based Sailors.

This is West's first visit to Misawa as MCPON - a visit he has been anticipating.

"I've been looking forward to this trip for a long time," said West, as he addressed an audience consisting of hundreds of Sailors during the all-hands call.

MCPON had planned to visit Misawa in 2009, but inclement weather prevented him from making the trip to the northern-Japanese locale.

West made up for lost time by spending more than an hour answering a broad range of Sailors' questions with enthusiasm. He also pointed out that the Navy could not be successful without the very people in attendance.

"You're in the Navy and you get to do something that less than one percent of the country gets to do," said West. "The Navy does extremely well and we're good, not because we have the greatest technology or best platforms, it's Sailors like you that make the Navy so strong."

Navy Career Counselor 1st Class Todd Wean felt the visit was beneficial and offered a real morale boost to the more than 600 Sailors stationed at Misawa.

"I think this visit was good for Sailors here," said Wean. "It shows them that no matter what corner of the world they are stationed, the MCPON will take the time and effort to come out and personally thank them for the job they do."