VCNO Visits NAS Key West

KEY WEST, Fla. (NNS) -- Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO) Adm. Michelle Howard visited Naval Air Station (NAS) Key West and conducted an all-hands call, Dec. 15.

During Howard's visit, she toured annexes, received a first-hand look at on-base housing provided by Balfour Beatty Communities and addressed Sailors and Coast Guardsmen on the prospective future of warfighting.

During the all-hands call, Howard discussed plans to align the Navy's workforce more with today's civilian workforce, survey results regarding sexual assault reporting and cyber culture.

Howard talked about the dimensions of warfighting, with the normal three being at sea, under the sea and in the air. She added another dimension, "Cyber, which is the next common space, [and] brings us into the fourth dimension of warfighters," said Howard.

"They tell you that the smallest distance between two points is a straight line... In the fourth dimension, the smallest distance between two points is to bring the two points together," Howard explained when referring to today's technological advancement and the ability to control a computer from across the globe.

Howard closed her remarks by expressing gratitude toward Sailors.

"You represent the finest sons and daughters this nation has ever known, and I am very proud to serve with you as Vice Chief of Operations," said Howard.

The floor was opened for Sailors to ask the VCNO questions and express their concerns on matters such as funding effecting fleet manning, professional military training and advice for Sailors' careers.

Howard offered several words of wisdom, stating, "If you know something's right, be persistent ... Whatever you do, make sure it feeds your passion."

Howard toured several installations assigned to Navy Region Southeast and departed Key West en route to Guantanamo Bay.

For more news from Naval Air Station Key West, visit www.navy.mil/local/naskw/.