MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy spoke with Sailors and Marines here March 27 at the Station Chapel.
Despite a tight schedule back in the nation's capital, Master Chief Petty Officer Terry Scott found time to visit Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni's Sailors and Marines.
With more then 200 ships at sea and 165 of those deployed away from their home ports, Scott reminded the crowd that more then 76,000 of the Navy's 537,809 combined active-duty and reserve personnel are currently deployed around the globe.
"Those Sailors and ships were better ready to deploy than ever before in our service's history," said Scott.
He also stated that it was with a "... great deal of pride and satisfaction that our Navy leadership can report to the president of the United States and say that we are and will be ready as long as operations in Afghanistan, Iraq and around the world are going on."
Scott also tackled the questions and concerns of the Sailor's in the audience. Fielding queries about everything from tuition assistance and permanent change of station difficulties to leadership training and career advancement.
"I thought he did a great job of trying to answer everyone's questions," said Petty Officer 2nd class Eric Hoffman, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron hazardous materials store keeper and leading petty officer.
Hoffman went on to say that he was impressed over the fact that Scott found time to visit the Station considering the military's current situation.
"It was good that he was still able to come," said the Kennesaw, Ga., native. "It shows that he cares about the Sailors."
Scott admitted that the Navy command briefly contemplated whether or not his trip to Japan should be made, but ultimately decided that it was necessary to recognize Iwakuni's Sailors and remind them of the important role the play.
"It was important to me that our Sailors in Japan know how appreciated they are and that our victory in the global war on terrorism requires the efforts of all of us," said Scott.
The MCPON also praised the Navy and Marine Corps team reminding listeners to "never underestimate what we can do."