CNO to Naples Sailors: Europe and Africa Remain Vital

By Lt. Timothy Hawkins, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia Public Affairs

NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert reaffirmed the Navy's commitment in the European and African regions during an all-hands call at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples, Italy, Feb. 23.

Addressing more than 300 U.S. military and civilian personnel seated in the installation's Capodichino theater, Greenert said the growing numbers of ships operating forward in the Mediterranean is an indication of the region's continued significance.

"What you're doing out here is incredibly important. The only place we're moving any large surface combatants to, is Europe," said Greenert.

Four Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers will be forward deployed to Rota, Spain; USS Ross (DDG 71) and USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) in fiscal year 2014 and USS Porter (DDG 78) and USS Carney (DDG 64) in fiscal year 2015.

The multi-mission ships will perform a myriad of tasks, including the full spectrum of maritime security operations, bilateral and multilateral training exercises, NATO operations and deployments, and NATO missile defense.

"We are committed to NATO and its operations," said Greenert. "This area will be as important as it always has been in our future maritime strategy."

Yeoman 2nd Class Carloeric Calibo from Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest (EURAFSWA) appreciated Greenert's discussion on a number of topics ranging from the Enlisted Retention Board (ERB) process to education benefits and compensation issues.

"CNO gave me clearer perspective on where we're going to be in the near future as a Navy," said Calibo immediately following the all-hands call. "I had particular concerns about the ERB process that CNO addressed very clearly."

Greenert responded to a series of questions from both U.S. military and civilian employees in the audience before concluding the hour-long call.

"I appreciate the fact that CNO took into consideration answering questions and listening to the civilian personnel, not just military," said Jerica Fayall, an accountant for U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and U.S. 6th Fleet.

Before departing, Greenert thanked Naples-area Sailors and civilian employees for their service.

"Thanks for what you do. Take care of the families. They are the wind under the wings for those of us who serve," said Greenert.

NSA Naples is home to U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa; U.S. 6th Fleet; Navy Region EURAFSWA; Naval Facilities EURAFSWA; other tenant commands and U.S. personnel assigned to NATO.