Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Steven S. Giordano visited Sailors of Commander Fleet Activity Sasebo (CFAS) and spouses in Sasebo, Japan Sept. 12.

This is Giordano's first fleet engagement in Japan as the MCPON.

"I have yet to have the opportunity, in my capacity as the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, to circulate through Japan," said Giordano. "Over this week not only do I have the opportunity to visit Sasebo, but also to visit our Sailors and their families who are doing great things in Yokosuka, and I'll culminate my visit in Okinawa as we recognize and welcome a number of our newest chief petty officers."

Navy Ombudsman-at-Large (OAL) Elka Franco-Giordano accompanied Giordano.

"Part of our trip to Japan includes the opportunity for one of our Navy ombudsmen-at-large join us on the team. That allows that person the opportunity to speak to the family portion of service out here and get their perspective on what they take away from the community and quality of life out here."

Giordano conducted an all-hands call aboard the amphibious transport dock USS Green Bay (LPD 20), which featured approximately 1,000 Sailors from CFAS and tenant commands. He also reenlisted eight Sailors and pinned six as enlisted surface warfare specialists.

"I'm here to listen to you," said Giordano. "We've had this theme over the last year of being a learning organization. In order to be that, everybody has to feel like they're contributing to that team, which means that we, as senior leadership, have to be there listening.

"In the end, what I want to take away from this is that our Sailors continue to know that they contribute to everything we do," said Giordano. "But in order to do that, we have to engage in conversations, and they have to have confidence that leadership is listening to them and know that we're going to work toward what's right."

Giordano expressed his gratitude for the contributions of Sasebo's Sailors.

"I want everyone to know that they're valued in everything that they're doing, and we recognize it at the most strategic level in the Navy," said Giordano. "We're all one team. Those serving here in Sasebo are a part of that team. We wouldn't be the Navy that we are if it weren't for your contribution in this theater of operation. Thanks for being those people in our Navy."

Giordano has visited every Navy AOR since assuming his office Sept. 2, 2016.

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