MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Mike Stevens visited Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, April 22, 2014, during a two-week fleet engagement tour to the Pacific region.
During his visit, MCPON toured Defense Policy Review Initiative construction sites; spoke with Col. Robert Boucher, commanding officer of MCAS Iwakuni, and Sgt. Maj. Keith Massi, station sergeant major, about sailors’ future aboard the installation; and conducted an all hands call.
According to MCPON, the highlight of his visit was being able to talk to Iwakuni service members.
At the beginning of the call, MCPON summoned for two sailors, Petty Officer 1st Class Shuhei Hamaguchi and Petty Officer 2nd Class Schenita Little, and congratulated them for being the senior and junior sailors of the quarter.
After posing for a photo with the sailors of the quarter, MCPON turned his attention to the crowd.
“The main reason we are out here doing this, is to hear from you and your families,” said Stevens. “We are going to go back to Washington, and I’m going to sit down with some folks that make policy and decisions that impact you, and me, and our families. If I don’t hear from you, than I’m going to make the wrong recommendations and the wrong decisions.”
MCPON said another important reason for his visit was to thank each sailor and family for their hard work and service.
“Thank you for what you do every day, thank you for the sacrifices you make, and thank you for raising your right hand and swearing an oath to this nation and the Navy,” said MCPON.
The second portion of the call allowed sailors an opportunity to ask MCPON questions about the Navy. Sailors took this opportunity to ask about topics ranging from recruit training to the current liberty policy.
MCPON closed the call with an important message in response to a question sailors often ask him: MCPON what can I do to have a successful career in the Navy?
The answer, based around his foundation for success, was clear, concise, and straight to the point.
“I believe if you follow three basic things you are off to a good start. Work hard no matter what you are doing, stay out of trouble and be a good and decent person.”