Under SECNAV Raven Visits Hampton Roads

27 June 2022

From Secretary of the Navy Public Affairs

WASHINGTON - The Honorable Erik Raven visited various commands during his first visit to Hampton Roads as the Under Secretary of the Navy, June 24-25.

Secretary Raven met with Adm. Daryl Caudle, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFFC), and subordinate commands to discuss mental health and quality of life issues. He also conducted office calls with Brigadier Gen. John Kelliher, deputy commander, Fleet Marine Force Atlantic Headquarters (FMFLANT HQ); and Cmdr. Charles Harmon, commanding officer, Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Richmond.

“Improving quality of life opportunities and ensuring immediate access to mental health resources for our Sailors and Marines are absolutely top priorities for the Department,” said Raven. “We must ensure we have essential resources available for our service members as our resilience ties directly to our readiness and mission effectiveness.”

While at the Navy Recruiting Station - Norfolk, Cmdr. Harmon briefed Secretary Raven about recruiting efforts at NTAG Richmond’s three Talent Acquisition Onboarding Centers, 41 Talent Acquisition Stations, and eight Navy Officer Recruiting Stations throughout Virginia, Washington, D.C., southern Maryland, and northern North Carolina.

“In addition to focusing on the force we have today, we continue to lean forward on attracting the talent we need to man our Navy with the highest quality Sailors,” said Raven. “Our own Sailors are often the first impression that potential applicants have of the United States Navy. Thank you for continuing to provide top-tier service to these applicants, candidates, future recruits and tomorrow’s Sailors.”

Secretary Raven also toured Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61) to meet with Sailors.

“One of the greatest experiences as Under Secretary is the opportunity to meet so many incredibly talented Sailors,” said Raven. “I am beyond impressed with the professionalism and motivation I’ve seen while touring the deckplates.”

Secretary Raven met with Capt. Charles Eckhart, Commodore, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Group TWO at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Virginia Beach, Va. and toured their STRIKE Center, which is a system to build resiliency at the individual level across the EOD force.

“We ask a lot of our Sailors as they carry out missions in support of our national defense,” said Raven. “Just like we invest in the maintenance and sustainment of our ships, submarines and aircraft, we must prioritize caring for our Sailors in their rest and recovery, stress management and other factors that contribute to their individual readiness and well-being.”

On June 25, Secretary Raven attended the commissioning ceremony for the newest Virginia-class fast attack submarine USS Montana (SSN 794).

“USS Montana adds the next generation of stealth, surveillance and special warfare capabilities to our Joint Force, and extends our integrated deterrence capabilities,” said Raven. “This powerful boat and her crew will protect our sea lanes, strengthen our maritime dominance, and contribute to strengthening our relationships with our allies and partners.”

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