SECNAV Visits USS Iwo Jima

Secretary of the Navy Donald Winter arrived aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) Feb. 15, to meet and speak with Sailors during his first visit to Norfolk since being sworn in as the 74th Secretary of the Navy. Winter arrived at the pier shortly before noon and met with Capt. Richard S. Callas, commanding officer of Iwo Jima, for a tour of the ship and a reenlistment ceremony. An all hands call following the ceremony gave Winter a chance to speak to the crew about his role as their new leader. “It’s been great to meet with Sailors and Marines around the world during my tour,” said Winter. “I’ve been the secretary for six weeks, and I’m trying to discover what is happening with the Navy and what will happen in the future of the Navy.” Winter spoke to Sailors about the Navy’s role in the global war on terrorism and the humanitarian relief operations in terms of post-war reconstruction and disaster response. “The global war on terrorism isn’t just warfare, it’s also about winning hearts and minds by being respective of where we are,” said Winter. “I’m proud to be a part of a nation that really cares, a nation that looks in itself to be better, a nation that helps establish democracies.”

Winter commended Iwo Jima Sailors and Marines who were first on the scene for the relief efforts of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. “I really appreciate what you’ve done there (Gulf Coast),” said Winter, in regard to the hurricane response. “Thank you for continuing to serve the Navy.” Prior to visiting Iwo Jima, Winter has met with wounded Sailors and Marines in Bethesda, Md., toured the facilities at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, participated in the commissioning ceremony for USS San Antonio (LPD 17), looked at several shipyards, and most recently toured the Middle East visiting with Marines and Sailors conducting combat operations in the region.

By Journalist Seaman Remus E. Borisov, Fleet Public Affairs Center Atlantic