MCPON Visits Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center

FALLON, Nev. (NNS) -- Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Terry Scott made his first visit to the high desert, visiting Sailors stationed at Naval Air Station (NAS) Fallon, Nev., March 14.

More than 120 Sailors filled the auditorium at the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center's (NSAWC) headquarters building, with more than 100 Sailors watching via closed circuit television as the MCPON passed on the thanks of a nation to them.

"I can't tell you how many places I go where someone sees my uniform and asks me to thank the troops for serving our country," said Scott. "The biggest thing I wanted to do here was to say thanks. Sometimes the attention is on the people who are forward-deployed, and we sometimes don't give enough recognition to the people who are getting those Sailors prepared. We all thank you."

For the MCPON, listening to what Sailors have to say about life in the service is one of the responsibilities of the position.

"I walked into this job with a certain sense of what our Sailors are doing, what they need and what their issues and concerns are," said Scott. "Each comment from a Sailor adds to that list of data."

Some of the unique issues at Fallon were concerns about the Leukemia cluster and other environmental factors, from which he admitted learning a lot about.

"I'm taking what I've learned back with me and letting Sailors here know there really is a tremendous amount of attention and focus on those issues," said Scott.

The Sailors of NSAWC and NAS Fallon weren't the only ones with questions, though.

Shortly after the events of Sep. 11, 2001, Scott had the opportunity to meet President George W. Bush.

"The President looked at me and said, 'MCPON, are our Sailors ready?' Guess what I told him," he asked the Sailors.

A roar of yes erupted from the crowd.

Master Chief also took back a sense of comfort about the men and women stationed at NAS Fallon.

"After meeting this group of Sailors, I leave knowing the Sailors here, just as Sailors everywhere, are getting the job done," said Scott.

For related news, visit the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/nsawc.