The vice chief of naval operations (VCNO) and the chief of naval personnel (CNP) completed a trip to West Coast-based naval aviation commands Dec. 16-18.

VCNO Adm. Robert Burke and CNP Vice Adm. John Nowell held small-group discussions with officers and enlisted Sailors, received updates on readiness, and toured facilities at Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada, and NAS Lemoore, California. VCNO also visited Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California.  

Each aviation base provides the Navy and Marine Corps invaluable air space, weapons ranges, facilities, and training opportunities that cannot be replicated elsewhere.

“Naval aviation is a significant portion of naval warfare, and the future fight depends on the critical work being done here,” Burke said. “I can sense the pride and teamwork here, and most importantly the ownership all in the very real context of warfighting and warfighter development.”

For example, the Naval Aviation Warfare Development Center (NAWDC) at NAS Fallon is the critical centerpiece in developing advanced warfighting tactics, as well as joint integrated training.

“The professional development opportunities out here are tremendous,” said Nowell. “NAS Fallon and NAS Lemoore are where Sailors go to become the best at their craft. The leadership knows this, so the Navy will continue to invest in the quality of life and sense of community at these bases.”

While at NAS Lemoore, Burke and Nowell joined the commander, naval air forces (CNAF) Vice Adm. DeWolfe Miller for a Naval Aviation Enterprise (NAE) Boots on the Ground event, where they were updated on the Naval Sustainment System and Super Hornet readiness.

“2019 was a year of success for aviation maintenance improvements and readiness, thanks to immense work by both Navy Sailors and civilians, as well as our contracting and industry partners.” said Burke. “While naval aviation works to sustain record readiness levels, we continue to learn not just here, but everywhere. These best practices are being shared in other communities in the Navy to improve readiness across the board.”

During the visit to Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, VCNO Burke also toured several sites affected by the earthquake that hit nearby Ridgecrest, California, July 5.

“A ready Navy – ready to fight today and ready for the threats of tomorrow – must commit fully to training, maintenance, and modernization,” Burke said. “The work being done every day at these locations will ensure a Navy ready for tomorrow.”

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