MCPON Testifies before Congress on Quality of Life

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Abraham Essenmacher, Office of the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)(SS/SW) Rick D. West and other senior enlisted leaders testified before the House Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies March 30.

MCPON Rick D. West, along with the other top enlisted leaders from the Marines, Army and Air Force, discussed quality of life, family readiness, recruiting and retention, reserve force, and veteran affairs issues.

"In my travels this past year I have enjoyed the visits I've had with Sailors who defend America every day. In these visits I have taken special note of the quality of life in which they live and serve," said West. "As you know, quality of work and quality of life programs for our Sailors, their families and our Navy civilians is directly tied to military readiness."

Navy's Homeport Ashore program, bachelor and Navy family housing, and Continuum of Care were other important issues that were brought up to the congressional subcommittee.

West said that as the environment in which Sailors and their families' lives change, along with global requirements and world events, new and better ways to support our Navy families must be continuously explored.

West also discussed the integral part deployments play in Navy life. The Navy has been deploying forces since its formation during times of both peace and conflict, but it is important not to underestimate or take for granted the incredible strain that a long deployment imposes on Sailors and their families.

Multiple deployments, frequent relocations and the stresses associated with being part of a military family all impact the overall readiness of the unit, the readiness of the individual Sailor and the readiness of their family.

"The strain on our Sailors and their families is greater than ever, but our Sailors recognize the significance of their mission."

West said that keeping Navy families informed about resources available to them to mitigate the strain of deployment and provide support is instrumental to their peace of mind while waiting for their Sailors to return from a year-long assignment in the Middle East or a six-month deployment safeguarding our seas.

West discussed the Navy's current operations and told the committee that approximately 55 percent of the Navy's force is underway; and more than 14,000 Sailors are on the ground and more than 11,000 are at sea in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility; and more than 18,000 personnel along with 22 ships and 140 aircraft have participated in Operation Tomodachi providing relief and delivering humanitarian assistance to the people of Japan.

"Our Navy, America's Navy has no boundaries and we are a Global Force for Good," said West. "Our Navy team will accomplish any mission or task that we ask of them and they do this knowing their families will be supported and cared for when they go over the horizon in harm's way."

The Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy periodically testifies before Congress along with the senior enlisted leaders of the other services. This was his fourth appearance before the congressional committee.