The Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Richard V. Spencer made his first visit to the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) off the coast of Naples, Italy Nov. 21.

SECNAV began his visit by touring Mount Whitney and the recent work completed while the ship was in an extended yard period.

Following his tour, Spencer held an all-hands call on the mess decks where he addressed the crew and answered questions from Sailors and civil service mariners about current and future Navy-wide initiatives.

"One of the key concerns that we have is keeping excellent people like you invigorated and challenged and in an environment where you will stay," said Spencer. "It is going to be a continuous challenge for us because depending on where you are working, the civilian world wants you, and if you are good, they are going to come after you. I have to be able to compete and I have to be able to have the tools, which we are getting more and more of each day, to make sure I can provide you that environment and that career path to keep you in the U.S. Navy."

SECNAV also spent time meeting with Mount Whitney leadership, where they spoke about operational goals, crew needs and area of operation goals.

"This is what having a busy schedule is all about; taking time to come out and see all of you guys and gals, ladies and gentlemen," said Spencer. "It makes working at the Pentagon worthwhile. Being out here and seeing your faces recharges the batteries."

Spencer thanked the crew's Sailors and civil service mariners for their service and dedication.

"You truly are at the pointy end of the spear and that is what we are all about," said Spencer.

Spencer said that the Mount Whitney's prescence and its crews sends the message that everyone aboard is a warrior no matter where they stand.

"With our civilian teammates and our uniformed teammates, we are here to deliver the fight," said Spencer.

Capt. Kavon Hakimzadeh, commanding officer of Mount Whitney said it was an honor to host SECNAV.

"The secretary's trip today was a fantastic opportunity for our Sailors and civilian mariners to meet our secretary of the navy," said Hakimzadeh. "True to what he has been saying since he was confirmed, his focus was on people and improving processes and that came through clearly to the entire crew today."

Spencer was accompanied by Adm. James Foggo III, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples, and Vice Adm. Christopher Grady, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO,.

Mount Whitney, forward-deployed to Gaeta, Italy, operates with a combined crew of U.S. Navy Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners.

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied 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/.