Adm. Michelle Howard, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF), conducted her first all-hands call at Naval Support Activity Naples, July 15.

Howard officially assumed command of NAVEUR-NAVAF June 7. The all-hands call was a chance for her to relay her expectations and to answer questions from Sailors. Howard also took the opportunity to remind Sailors of the importance of mission readiness.

Quotes:

"Take care of your families and be vigilant; talk to your families about being vigilant. Take care of each other; intervene if you see something going awry. Take care of yourself -- mind, body and soul. I expect you to be mentally sharp; I expect you to be professionally successful and be physically fit and ready to deploy. I also expect you to be morally strong." - Adm. Michelle Howard, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa

"Operating in the cyber domain and being effective warriors in the cyber domain is everyone's responsibility. I need more people to understand they are in this domain and they have to be as effective in this domain as they are in the physical domain." - Adm. Michelle Howard, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa

Quick Facts:

Howard spoke on the importance of warfighting readiness, vigilance in day-to-day life both in physical space and in cyber space, care for oneself, family and shipmates.

Howard took questions from Sailors on a variety of subjects such as readiness, women in combat roles and career opportunities.

Howard concurrently serves as commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples.

Howard most recently served as the 38th Vice Chief of Naval Operations.

U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, headquartered in Naples, Italy, oversees joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners in order to advance U.S. national interests, security and stability in Europe and Africa.

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For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/.