MCPON Visits NSA Bahrain

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Seth Clarke, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (SW/FMF) Joe R. Campa Jr. addressed enlisted service members at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain July 1. Campa focused on a wide range of topics, including individual augmentee (IA) missions, the importance of the Physical Readiness Test, rating mergers and off-duty education.

The MCPON also stressed the importance of leadership. “I firmly believe that the quality of a Sailor’s life is directly tied to the quality of their leadership,” said Campa. “As I go out and visit commands to see how they’re doing, the commands that are doing very well are well lead. Those that are struggling have challenges in leadership. And that we need to strengthen.” Campa said he wants chiefs and petty officers standing before their Sailors and giving General Military Training (GMT) to supplement the online GMT courses.

“I want you to hear the tone of their voice and the conviction in their voice when they’re making a point about the training,” said Campa. “Online training can’t replace personal interaction. That passing down of knowledge from one generation of Sailors to the next is not done on a computer. It’s done by interaction between us.” Campa said Sailors’ comments and questions during all-hands calls don’t go unheard with regard to decisions that are made by the most senior leaders in the Navy.

“Based on some of the things that have been said at all-hands calls, we’ve changed what we’re doing in the Navy,” said Campa. “We’ve changed policy, and we’ve changed direction in some cases.” While addressing only enlisted Sailors, Campa stressed that it’s his job to be those Sailors’ link to the most senior Navy officials. “It’s my connection with all of you that gives me a seat at the table of our Navy leadership,” he said. “It’s my ability to understand the tone of the force and the issues out there that gives me some credibility when addressing these issues with our Navy leadership.”

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Charles “Skip” Bowen and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Reserve Force Jeffrey D. Smith accompanied Campa during the all hands call.