U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa Fleet Master Chief Raymond D. Kemp Sr. visited the guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) to meet the crew while on deployment, April 29.

The purpose of the visit was to give the crew the opportunity to ask questions they might have and afford Kemp time to address the crew, meeting first with junior Sailors, then chief petty officers and finally, all first class petty officers aboard Bulkeley.

"What they get by having me come out here is words that come right from the mouth of the CNO, the MCPON, Admiral [James] Foggo, [commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa], Admiral [Lisa] Franchetti, [commander of U.S. Sixth Fleet], and those with whom I serve," said Kemp, "So not often, as a Sailor, do you have the opportunity to hear policy from someone who listens and is part of the decision making for the Navy."

Kemp stated that his intention was to be help Sailors understand Navy policy and reinforce that Sailors should always be tactically predictable and strategically unpredictable.

"There is a bit of a comfort that comes in knowing that is what our intention is, and I hope to bring that to the group," said Kemp.

Bulkeley Sailors asked questions ranging from musings on foreign affairs to Navy policy regarding performance evaluations.

"I think it really increases their morale, just to hear his energy," said Master Chief Reginald McCallum, Bulkeley's command master chief. "And it should solidify everything that we've done to prepare for this deployment. I think it was good for him to come over and just validate the name that the Bulkeley has when it comes to warfighting, whether its anti-submarine warfare or even strike missions."

Bulkeley is currently deployed as part of the Harry S. Truman carrier strike group. With the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) as the flagship, deploying strike group units include staff, ships, and aircraft of Carrier Strike Group Eight (CSG 8), Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 28 and Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1); as well as Sachsen-class German Frigate FGS Hessen.

U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/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 and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

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