Commander of Navy Recruiting Command Visits Seattle

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist John Lill, Navy Recruiting District Seattle

SEATTLE (NNS) -- Rear Adm. Annie B. Andrews, commander, Navy Recruiting Command (CNRC) received a warm welcome from the Sailors and staff of Navy Recruiting District (NRD) Seattle during her visit, June 2-3.

Andrews started her two-day engagement trip with a meet and greet with community influencers from area high schools, universities, Navy League and businesses who serve as a critical network with Navy recruiting. Among those in attendance was a familiar face to the admiral. Retired Capt. Kathryn Hobbs who, served as commanding officer of Naval Station Great Lakes during Andrews' tenure as commanding officer of Recruit Training Command and now serves as the executive director of the Washington State PTA, was all smiles as her friend entered the room.

"It was great to see the admiral, (those of us who served with her), knew she was special and would one day become a flag officer," said Hobbs. "The ability she has to make everyone she meets, feel that they are an important part of the mission, coupled with her outstanding professionalism, truly were and are her strengths."

After thanking them for their continued support, Andrews took a moment to reenlist Cryptologic Technician (Technical) 1st Class Joshua Scheiderer. Scheiderer, who reenlisted for six years, brought his family and parents to witness the ceremony and were all recognized by Andrews and thanked for their support of his career.

"This was truly a surreal experience for me," said Scheiderer. "Admiral Andrews was my commanding officer when I went to boot camp and to have her as my reenlisting officer is one of the biggest honors of my career."

Later in the afternoon, Andrews participated in a media engagement with an interview on National Public Radio where she discussed the challenges of recruiting today and why the Navy is best of the services.

"Today's generation want to serve, they want to make a difference and contribute in the world and the Navy is the best service as we are truly a global force for good," said Andrews. "We are the first called on to provide humanitarian assistance around the world when disaster strikes and I feel that really speaks to those we recruit today."

Wrapping up her first day, Andrews attended a Future Sailor meeting at Navy Recruiting Station (NRS) Kent where she spoke to 23 of the Navy's recruits, several of whom were heading to recruit training in the next 60 days. She expressed her thanks in their willing to serve and be part of a greater cause.

On June 3, she visited recruiters stationed in Bellevue, Tukwila, Tacoma and Olympia. Throughout her visit, Andrews thanked the Sailors and support staff for their continuing efforts to recruit the best and brightest men and women that the Pacific Northwest has to offer. In addition to talking to each Sailor, she also wanted to know what her headquarters can do to assist and improve the process of recruiting.

During her visit to NRS Olympia, Andrews had the opportunity to address 35 future Sailors and their parents.

"While at boot camp you are going to meet people from all different walks of life, all with varied backgrounds, but they all joined to be part of something special and greater," said Andrews. "Thank you for choosing to serve and thank you parents for your presence here today. I am certain you are as proud of these young men and women as I am."

CNRC consists of a command headquarters, two Navy Recruiting Regions and 26 Navy Recruiting Districts which serve more than 1,500 recruiting stations across the country.

With 70 percent of the world covered in water, 80 percent of the world's population living near coasts and 90 percent of the world's commerce traveling by water, America's Navy is very much a global force for good. CNRC's mission is to recruit the best men and women for America's Navy to accomplish today's missions and meet tomorrow's challenges.