John Stennis (CVN 74) - Naval Cruise Book

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MMCM(SS SW AW) Jim Herdt, the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, paid a visit to JCS Sailors on Mother ' s Day to commend the crew on their perfomiance during WESTPAC ' 00 and answer questions for the crew about Navy issues. After the usual meet and greets, Master Chief Herdt took center stage in Hangar Bay Two and fielded questions without interrup- tion for nearly an hour and a half about pay, retention, quality of life, advancement and the future of the Navy. I wish I had the words to express to you just how important you all are, and how much you mean to me and the rest of your country, he began. You may not see it when you ' re getting out of your rack in the morning, shaving and getting a shower in a shared head on a ship, and going to the same work center everyday, but I see it. From where I sit as the MCPON, I see it, and I thank you for every- thing you do. MCPON Visit 495

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J. A- .sr « s the first half of the WESTPAC deployment . came to an end. Secretary Of Defense William Cohen paid a visit to the USS JOHN C. STENNIS. Before Secretary Cohen addressed the crew, he had the privilege of re-enlisting fourteen sailors on the spot, reciting the oath and congratulating each newly re-enlisted member. Secretary Cohen expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the fine work and dedication to duty that the men and women of the John C. Stennis Battle Group have dis- played during deployment. He emphasized the miportance of our mission and how well we are meeting our primary objectives. Mr. Cohen also fielded several questions from the crew on opera- tional tempo and health care issues that have con- cerned us all. At the conclusion of his two-hour visit, he made his way into the crowd of blue shirts to shake hands and pose for several pictures. 4-94 SECDEF Visit

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