Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Veloicaza | The Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, Master Chief Steven W. Cantrell,...... read more read more
SINGAPORE (Sept. 15, 2016) – The Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, Master Chief Steven W. Cantrell, visited Singapore Sept. 20, 2016 as part of his tour of Coast Guard units in the Asia-Pacific region.
During his visit, Cantrell met with leaders, staff and family members of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Marine Inspection Detachment (MIDET) Singapore along with senior enlisted members from Navy Region Singapore. Prior to arriving in Singapore, Cantrell visited Coast Guard Activities Far East in Japan, the parent command of MIDET. Cantrell’s focus during his trip in the region was to become more familiar with those Coast Guardsmen serving overseas and to gain a better appreciation of their training, mission and dedication.
“The intent of this visit is mainly to talk to our Coast Guardsmen and their families who are far away from the United States and to thank them for their service and their sacrifices while stationed here,” Cantrell said. “It’s also important that I get out to see and learn more about what they’re doing and secondly, learn what their challenges are so that I can be helpful the best way I can.”
Cantrell became the 12th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard in May of 2014 and has an important role as advisor to the Commandant of the Coast Guard on workforce policies and as an advocate for military benefits and entitlements for all Coast Guardsmen. Devoting his time in travelling and visiting all Coast Guard commands and units, Cantrell emphasized the importance of the Coast Guard’s worldwide commitment in overseas activities.
“Taking a holistic approach, especially over this past six months or so, I have tried to focus my travels and my interactions with the people that are serving outside the continental United States because a lot of people, particularly at home, don’t understand just how involved and engaged our United States Coast Guard is around the world,” Cantrell said.
For Coast Guard leadership in the Asia-Pacific region, Cantrell’s visit was a reaffirmation that their efforts play a vital role in the Coast Guard’s overall mission in safeguarding maritime interests across the globe. This is a benefit and testament to the valued efforts of those stationed and working overseas, according to Capt. Lee Boone, the U.S. Coast Guard Activities Far East Commanding Officer based in Japan.
“Although we are a small unit with a footprint of 25 members, between our Japan and Singapore office, having the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, who is the senior enlisted leader for over 40,000 Coast Guard members, is certainly an honor,” Boone said.
Additionally, while here, Cantrell visited with U.S. Embassy representatives and had the opportunity for a windshield tour of the city-state of Singapore before returning back to the United States this week.
-30-
| Date Taken: | 09.15.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 10.05.2016 03:16 |
| Story ID: | 211314 |
| Location: | SG |
| Web Views: | 354 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
No keywords found.
