Adm. Scott Swift, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and U.S. Pacific Fleet Master Chief Suz Whitman visited Naval Base Kitsap and addressed Sailors at various all hands calls, May 23-25.

They also spent time with key government officials and military leaders, toured the USS Alabama (SSBN 731), visited Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility and participated in the Bremerton Armed Forces Day Parade.

"I was invited by the Navy League to be the grand marshal for the Armed Forces Day Parade in Bremerton, [Washington], and was impressed by those who weathered the storm to show their support," said Swift.

Shortly before the all hands call at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, Whitman spent time sharing her knowledge and experience with Sailors at the First Class Symposium in Bangor Plaza.

"Sailors are getting more and more training before they go to the fleet," said Whitman. "They are our greatest assets, a weapons system that no other country can duplicate."

During the all hands call, Swift compared what the Pacific Fleet has to offer to a Fortune 500 company.

"The Pacific Fleet has over $500 billion in assets, over 140,000 Sailors and civilians and encompasses 51 percent of the world. A Fortune 500 company generally has $455 billion less in assets and 94,000 less employees. Part of what the Navy does is to give a sense of certainty that we a have a force that can rapidly respond to situations and those numbers go to show that that is the case."

Swift also commented on the unique role that the Pacific Fleet plays.

"The Pacific Fleet is somewhat unique," he said. "Not only do we have the responsibility to consume readiness, but we must also produce readiness. After seeing what you do day in and day out, I am able to sleep soundly at night knowing so many outstanding Sailors have the watch."

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