Chief of Naval Operation, Master Chief Petty Officer of Navy Visit USS Enterprise

Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)(SS/SW) Rick D. West visited the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Jan. 12 while the ship was underway in the Atlantic Ocean.

The visit showcased the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group and provided Sailors with an opportunity to interact with the Navy’s senior leadership.

While aboard, the CNO and MCPON dined with junior Sailors, met with Enterprise’s leadership, toured several of the ship’s spaces and addressed the crew at an all-hands call in the hangar bay.

“If you look at this ship today, she is as modern and as good as any of our aircraft carriers out there,” said Greenert, “and it’s her Sailors that make this ship run and make this strike group so great.”

During the all-hands call, Greenert discussed the impact of current world events in response to Sailors’ questions.

Sailors were pleased that the CNO and MCPON were able to visit Enterprise and show their support for the 50-year-old ship as it prepares for its 22nd scheduled deployment.

“Today I had dinner with the CNO,” said Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Drake Grills. “It was exciting. You don’t get too many opportunities to have dinner with a four-star admiral and it was a great experience.”

Enterprise is underway conducting a composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) in preparation for her final deployment scheduled for March.

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Naval Today Staff , January 15, 2012; Image: navy