Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs (ASN M&RA) Gregory J. Slavonic visited the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106) and the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22) at Naval Base San Diego, Oct. 30, to meet the ships' leadership and talk to the crews.

Slavonic is the 18th ASN M&RA, and retired from the U.S. Navy as rear admiral after 34 years of service.

"My favorite part of my job is the opportunity to get out of Washington D.C. and go visit with Sailors and Marines on the waterfront," said Slavonic. "Talking to the Sailors and chiefs today reminded me why the U.S. Navy is the greatest fighting force in the world."

While aboard Stockdale and San Diego, he asked the ships' leadership and Sailors what they think could be improved throughout the fleet.

"He is focused on diversity and resiliency of the crew, and I believe him when he asks how can D.C. help," said Capt. Amy N. Bauernschmidt, USS San Diego's commanding officer. "He will be able to enact new policies and changes in order to make the Navy a better place for all Sailors."

The ASN for M&RA acts on manpower and personnel policy matters within the Department of the Navy. This includes issues affecting active duty, reserve and retired Sailors, Marines and family members, as well as Department of the Navy civilians and contractors.

"It is a high honor to have somebody on his level visit us," said Lt. Cesar Valenzuela, the supply officer aboard San Diego. "Seeing the ASN M&RA come to our ship generates a great deal of pride for the crew and motivates us to be the best on the waterfront."

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