Chief of Naval Operations, Top Master Chief Visits Bahrain

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Nathan Schaeffer | Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead speaks to Sailors and Marines during an all hands call held aboard USS San Antonio. Roughead and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, Rick West are on a trip to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to thank Sailors and Marines for their significant contributions in helping to bring stability and prosperity to the region by supporting Maritime Security Operations. This is CNO's third visit to the U.S. 5th Fleet since becoming the 29th chief of naval operations and West's first visit since taking office as the 12th MCPON when he relieved Joe R. Campa, Jr. Dec. 12.  

12.19.2008

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Nathan Schaeffer 

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet           

By Petty Officer 2nd Class Nathan Schaeffer

MANAMA, Bahrain – Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Rick D. West visited Bahrain Dec. 18 - 19 to meet with Sailors and Marines currently deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

The CNO and MCPON held a series of All Hands Calls aboard U.S. Naval Support Activity Bahrain and visited USS San Antonio, USS Iwo Jima, USS Ramage and USS Carter Hall.

Roughead said it is vital for him to see and speak with Sailors firsthand to keep informed of issues concerning the fleet.

"It's important for our Sailors, who are away from their families during this holiday season to know they are doing incredible work in this region and their work is making a difference in the world that we live in today," said Roughead. "Every day, they're helping provide security and stability to the region and bring great credit to our Navy as well as our nation."

Roughead and West also wished Sailors a safe and happy holiday season and thanked them for their significant contributions in helping to bring stability and prosperity to the region by supporting Maritime Security Operations.

This is CNO's third visit to the U.S. 5th Fleet since becoming the 29th chief of naval operations and West's first visit since taking office as the 12th MCPON when he relieved Joe R. Campa, Jr. Dec. 12.

"In this area of operations, Sailors are fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan; serving as individual augmentees and forward deployed on ships," said West. "As MCPON, I will honor your commitment by upholding the ideal of service that my predecessors have established."

After departing Bahrain, the CNO and MCPON plan to visit other Sailors who are supporting operations in Afghanistan as part of the International Security Assistance Force and Provincial Reconstruction Teams.

• Date Taken: 12.19.2008
• Date Posted: 12.19.2008 14:03
• Story ID: 27909