CNO Visits Naval Base Ventura County

By Kimberly Gearhart, Naval Base Ventura County Public Affairs Officer

PORT HUENEME, Calif. (NNS) -- Fourteen Sailors stationed at Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) in Southern California rededicated themselves to military service with Adm. Jon Greenert, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), opening an all-hands call question and answer session at Needham Theater Aug. 4.

It's not every day you make the decision to re-enlist in the Navy, let alone have the CNO administer your oath.

During the re-enlistment, Greenert recognized the important contributions families make in a Sailor's career. Vying to be heard over a baby who was particularly upset to be separated from her re-enlisting father, Greenert jokingly credited himself as the reason for her tears.

Jokes aside, Greenert said, "This is why we do what we do. This is why we serve."

Opening the all-hands call with a current events run-down, Greenert detailed some of the many conflicts bubbling up around the globe. Ukraine. Gaza. Libya. Instability around the globe, answered at every turn by the U.S. Navy, Greenert noted.

"We're busy," he said. "We're in demand."

For most of the hour-long event, Greenert took questions from the floor, which covered everything from contracting standards to tuition assistance requirements.

Yeoman 3rd Class Kwanza Coxbaker, of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 55, opened the question and answer session with a bang.

"I'm going to be the next CNO," she declared. "What do I need to do to take your job?"

Noting that transitioning from enlisted to officer and making CNO is not unprecedented. Adm. Mike Boorda enlisted in the 1950s and became the 25th CNO in 1994. Greenert also noted that hard work and a "relentless" dedication to your goal is necessary to accomplish anything. That includes becoming CNO.

An ensign from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3 wanted to know how to foster an ethical work environment for her team.

"Example," Greenert said. "You've got to lead an ethical life. Define precisely what your standards are, then live them."

He also addressed the changing landscape of naval warfare, addressing questions about drones, deployments and drawdowns. Gaps at sea are a concern, he said, but one the Navy is working diligently to correct. As for the future, NBVC is well positioned as a "big hub of future capabilities," Greenert said.

In addition to the All Hands Call, Greenert was here to gain a better understanding of the support being provided to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) with unaccompanied children, which included a tour of the facility at Building 267.

"What I saw was great cooperation with no impact to our Navy missions," Greenert said.