MCPON Engages Navy Region Southeast Sailors

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

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- The Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) conducted fleet engagements with Sailors in Navy Region Southeast over the weekend, including a 5-mile beach run with more than 250 chief petty officers (CPO) and selectees on Jacksonville Beach Aug. 20.

MCPON (SS/SW) Rick D. West spoke with senior enlisted leaders from the Kings Bay Chief Petty Officer Association, CPO selectees and crew members of USS Vicksburg (CG 69) and USS Stephen W. Groves (FFG 29). At Kings Bay, he also participated in a 5-kilometer run in honor of wounded warriors.

"These Sailors are impressive and motivated," said West. "They're working on qualifications, taking ownership of their commands and are maintaining combat readiness.

"The Run for the Fallen was particularly motivating to me. Any time we get a chance to honor our shipmates for their contributions in combat, it makes me proud to be part of this great Navy," West added.

MCPON spent time meeting and talking with this year's CPO selectees stationed throughout the area.

"I love the interaction with these groups of enthusiastic Sailors as they embark on a new chapter and role in our Navy," said West. "I'm impressed with the energy I've seen in CPO 365, from both the selectees and our chief petty officers."

"Listening to the MCPON speak really put thing in perspective on unity, loyalty, and brotherhood," said Chief (select) Aviation Ordnanceman (NAC/AW) Austin D. Jones before the Jacksonville Beach run. "Relying on each other, and what we as a mess need to do not just for our Sailors, but for our communities as well."

"This was a great turnout and run that was an outstanding demonstration of team building and fantastic representation in the Jacksonville community," added West. "We emphasize the importance of our Sailors being involved in events outside the gate, and this run was truly a demonstration of the lasting impact we can make by doing it right."

"It was nice for him to take the time to meet with the families and CPO selects before and after the run, as well as him running alongside us," said Jones.

MCPON is wrapping up his travel with visits to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and Groton, Conn., where he will kick off a suicide prevention conference and tour several submarines. He will also travel to Newport, R.I., to address students attending the Senior Enlisted Academy and the Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat Course.

"It's important to communicate to these future senior enlisted leaders who are going to be guiding and mentoring our Sailors," said West. "Ensuring our enlisted leaders are working and performing on the same level together is key to our success for any mission."