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MCPON Visits TR, Answers Sailors’ Questions
Story Number: NNS051017-03
Release Date: 10/17/2005 11:50:00 AM
By Journalist 2nd Class Gary La Vende, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs
ABOARD USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (NNS) -- Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (SS/AW) Terry Scott and Sgt. Major of the Marine Corps John Estrada visited Sailors aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Oct. 13 to let crew members know their work is appreciated.
TR Sailors have been on deployment for more than a month, launching aircraft daily off TR’s flight deck to support coalition ground forces in Iraq. Enlisted crew members can’t see the direct impact of their hard work because they are at a distance, but with a visit from their Senior enlisted leaders, Sailors now know how important their jobs are and how people around the world depend on their hard work and determination.
“You are protecting our way of life,” said Estrada. “We will be successful in our mission and it’s because of the support you give us. We couldn’t do it with out you.”
The MCPON spoke about various issues that Sailors need to overcome in order for the mission to continue successfully.
“We need to be flexible and adaptable,” said Scott. “We are going to be assigned missions we may never have predicted. We need to be ready whenever our nation calls on us so we can be prepared for the next typhoon, hurricane or 9/11.”
“We need to be healthy and fit not just before the physical fitness assessment but all the time, so we can have a healthy and fit force," he added. "We also need to be financially fit. I’m tired of good Sailors losing their clearance because of financial issues.”
The MCPON also touched on how it’s important for Sailors to take care of any personal problems they may have at home.
The Navy and Marine Corps offers many avenues for Sailors to get their family life back on track.
“I always hear the Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Mike Mullen, say that even the Sailor of the Year or the best Sailor at a command can be brought to their knees with problems at home,” said Scott. “Your jobs are important and need your focus and attention. Any distraction can be devastating to our mission.”
“We have to stay committed to make sure your families are taken care of, as well," he said.
Issues at home weren’t the only personal problems the MCPON addressed. If a Sailor runs into a personal problem on the job, they need to report it immediately.
“Hazing, harassment, assault or sexual harassment are career-enders,” said Scott. “There is no place for behavior like that in the Navy.”
“This is a defining time in our world history,” said Estrada. “You have stepped up to the plate and said ‘Our nation needs me right now.’
"And because of your training, preparation and determination, we dominate the seas with the world’s best Navy. We dominate the airspace with the world’s best pilots, naval aviators, and the world’s best aircraft," he said. "They are the best because they will fly in almost all types of weather, whenever our ground forces request it.”
The MCPON told the TR crew that their concerns and issues are important to him. The MCPON and Sgt. Major bring up issues to elected officials on Capitol Hill all the time, they said, and they cannot do it without hearing from the driving force of the Navy, its Sailors.
“We need to know what your thoughts are,” said Scott. “If you haven’t expressed your opinion, please let it be known. Right now we have too many uniforms for the sea bag. Our uniforms are hard to maintain and not practical. We need something that can be worn all year and can stand a lot of wear and tear. The uniforms will change eventually, but as of right now, it is unclear when.”
Estrada said the key to being successful is taking care of each other. If you are in a leadership position, make sure the mission is accomplished no matter what, he said.
“Make sure your Sailors are well trained and well equipped and prepared to go to combat,” said Estrada. “Our ground forces are kicking butt, and it is because of you.”
TR is currently operating in the Persian Gulf in support of Maritime Security Operations (MSO). MSO set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment as well as complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. MSO deny international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.
For related news, visit the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cvn71/.
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