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	050927-N-2383B-094 Virginia Beach, Va. (Sept. 27, 2005) - Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Mullen speaks to junior enlisted Sailors and Marines during a visit to Naval Air Station Oceana, Va. Adm. Mullen told the Sailors and Marines how much he appreciates their service and how change in the Navy is a constant and of his expectation that every Sailor and Marine is a leader. The CNO was in Virginia Beach visiting with junior enlisted personnel and meeting with the senior enlisted and officer community. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer's Mate Johnny Bivera (RELEASED)
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CNO Holds All Hands Call at NAS Oceana
Story Number: NNS050928-05
9/28/2005

By Journalist 3rd Class John Michael Cokos, Fleet Public Affairs Center Atlantic

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Mullen visited Naval Air Station Oceana Sept. 27 and talked to Sailors about the future of the U.S. Navy in the 21st century.

“I’m blessed to be in a command position in a Navy this good,” Mullen said. “The statistics look good and retention is high.”

Mullen stressed the importance of the Navy’s ability to adapt to change and future additions to the Navy mission, including increased participation in detainee operations in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and operations in Africa.

“We live in uncertain times and we need to be ready,” Mullen said, referring to the Fleet Response Plan as an example. “There is no better example of the effectiveness of the Fleet Response Plan than the 19-ship response from the Navy after Hurricane Katrina."

Mullen briefly discussed BRAC issues and suggested officials would be closer to a decision in late November.

“We have to find out the right thing for the long run for Virginia, Virginia Beach and the Navy,” said Mullen. I can’t be predictive, but I will tell you what I know, when I know it. The BRAC cycle is scheduled to happen from 2006-2011, so [changes] won’t happen tomorrow, next week or next month.”

Mullen said the Navy is studying options for the future of a master jet base on the east coast. The study should be completed by late November or early December.

He also discussed the roles individual Sailors play in the 21st century Navy.

“Every Sailor is a leader,” said Mullen, "from the seaman recruit on up.”

Following his comments, the CNO opened the floor to the Sailors for a question and answer session on various topics.

For more news from around the fleet, visit www.navy.mil.