MCPON Visits United States Naval Academy

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Thomas L. Rosprim, Office of the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (NNS) -- Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) visited the United States Naval Academy and Naval Support Activity (NSA) Annapolis Feb. 28.

During the visit, MCPON (SS/SW) Rick D. West toured the various historical sites on the Naval Academy grounds, rode across the Chesapeake Bay aboard one of the academies yard patrol (YP) craft, and spoke to Sailors stationed at the Academy and NSA Annapolis.

"Our history is our foundation," said West to a group of Sailors while visiting the tomb of John Paul Jones. "To work near sites such as this tomb is a great honor and I envy you for the opportunity you have here."

Dedication to excellence was a large topic for the day, emphasized again and again by MCPON as he spoke with Sailors working in the Annapolis area.

"Remember shipmates that you are instructing the future captains and admirals of the fleet," said West. "You'll never know it today, but there is a good chance you may be teaching the future CNO."

During an all-hands call at NSA Annapolis, MCPON discussed the current status of the Navy, the CNO's vision for the future of the Navy, and answered questions on a variety of topics.

"When I think of the Navy's future I go by the 70, 80, 90 percent rule," said West. "Seventy percent of the earth's surface is water, 80 percent of people live near the water and 90 percent of all trade comes across the water. Using this thought process, I think the Navy is going to be out there forward deployed, keeping trade moving and sea lanes open," added West.

"You support the future leadership of our Navy," said West. "Remember what you have gone through, what you are getting to do now and how you shape our leaders of the future, this alone should motivate you to do your job every single day."

Fleet engagements are intended to provide senior leadership with a frontline assessment of Sailors and what they are doing in the Fleet.