Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert presented a Navy Unit Commendation to U.S. Naval Forces Central Command during an all-hands call at NSA Bahrain, July 13.

Greenert presented the commendation pennant to Vice Adm. John W. Miller, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (COMUSNAVCENT)/U.S. 5th Fleet, Combined Maritime Forces, for exceptionally meritorious service from June 2010 to June 2015.

COMUSNAVCENT was pivotal in charting the course for actions in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and Inherent Resolve, as stated in the citation.

"I'd like to tell you all how much I appreciate what you all have done during my tenure," said Greenert. "This command has been the setting, the determination, the persuasion and really the means to make sure the Straits of Hormuz remains an open and stable avenue."

Miller was proud to accept the award on behalf of the command.

"Understanding as I do the hard work and dedication our personnel put in day in and day out for many years to ensure maritime security in this region and to protect our national interests makes this award truly special," said Miller. "Our people devoted countless hours to supporting the Navy's role in Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and now Inherent Resolve, and they did so with professionalism, polish and esprit de corps. I could not be prouder of the many members of our Navy and Marine Corps 5th Fleet family who earned this recognition."

Prior to presenting the commendation, Greenert presided over the enlistment ceremony and administered the oath of enlistment to 17 Sailors stationed throughout commands in Bahrain.

"It was an amazing feeling having the CNO, as my reenlisting officer for my first reenlistment, and now 12 years later," said Chief Yeoman Zachary Murphy, from Manassas, Virginia, referring to when Greenert was a rear admiral and Murphy, then a 2nd class petty officer, served on his staff.

Also during the all-hands call Greenert discussed important topics such as personnel welfare, the size of the Navy, changes in advancement and manning, integration of females on submarines and the general state of the Navy. He then opened it up for questions and answers addressing the concerns from Sailors and Marines in attendance.

He ended the all-hands call by extending his appreciation to all those serving in U.S. 5th Fleet.

"Thank you to all the Sailors and Marines working hard, and doing an important mission," said Greenert. "What all of you do out here in 5th Fleet is more important than I think you could probably imagine."

U.S. Naval Force Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet is responsible for 2.5 million square miles of area including the Arabian Gulf, Sea of Oman, Gulf of Aden, Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean and 20 countries.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet, visit www.cusnc.navy.mil/.