MCPON Smith Visits Great Lakes

by Naval Service Training Command Public Affairs

12 October 2018

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Russell Smith made his first visit as MCPON to Naval Station Great Lakes, Oct. 9.

Smith had breakfast with Recruit Division Commanders (RDC) from Recruit Training Command (RTC), the Navy’s only boot camp, before observing recruit training and the ‘capping ceremony,’ in which recruits receive their official Navy ball-cap after completing ‘Battle Stations,’ an intensive crucible event and evaluation, and milestone in their training.

"It's always an honor to meet with the RDCs, as well as the additional RTC and other area staffs who contribute to the transformation from citizen to Sailor. I'm so proud of them, of the work they do and the sacrifice of time they selflessly render to ensure mission success. This "all-in" attitude and investment of themselves directly leads to tough Sailors, ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Shipmates they'll soon join in the Fleet,” Smith said.

MCPON also met with area commanders, including Rear Admiral Mike Bernacchi, commander, Naval Service Training Command, had lunch with region Master Chief Petty Officers, and held several all-hands calls for Sailors in the area.

“For over 100 years, Great Lakes has a profound history of excellence that began with LCDR Trayer, producing Sailors who go on to be critical to the fight. For nearly two decades, Great Lakes has been the sole point of entry, the singular birthplace of the US Navy Sailor where that fighting spirit is forged. I love that the Sailors I’ve met here today remain connected to that legacy. Whether as RDCs, instructors or enablers, they are all sterling examples of professionalism that our Nation relies on to ready ourselves for the high-end fight at sea,” Smith said.

NSTC supports 98 percent of initial officer and enlisted accessions training for the Navy, as well as the Navy's Citizenship Development program. NSTC's support also includes RTC, the Navy's only boot camp also at Naval Station Great Lakes, the NROTC program at more than 160 colleges and universities, OTC at Newport, and Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) and Navy National Defense Cadet Corps (NDCC) citizenship development programs at more than 600 high schools worldwide.

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