Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Mike Stevens spent the day with Sailors assigned to Naval Air Station Point Mugu and Port Hueneme as part of his two-week trip to Navy Region Southwest.

"I think it's great that MCPON came out here to speak with us," said Utilitiesman 3rd Class Stephen Ironton, from Sisler, Ohio, assigned to Naval Construction Group 1. "I feel like Port Hueneme kind of gets overlooked, so it's nice to hear from him and know what's going on."

MCPON started his visit with a series of all-hands calls, first at Point Mugu, then later at Port Hueneme.

"So why are you all here?" asked Stevens at the start of his call. "The reason you're here today is for me to hear from you. I travel throughout the fleet to have an understanding of what concerns you have and take those concerns back to the Chief of Naval Operations and Chief of Naval Personnel to look at ways of improving your quality of service."

A second class petty officer asked MCPON if there are any changes coming to the DoD's paternity policy.

"Currently, there haven't been any discussions about changing it, but I will look into this, as this question has been asked at every all-hands call during this trip," said Stevens.

MCPON polled the group to get an idea of how long they felt Paternity Leave should be. Of the nearly six hundred Sailors present, most agreed that 21 days was appropriate, compared to the current 10-day limit.

After the call, MCPON signed nearly 60 charge books for chief petty officer (CPO) selectees, leaving words of advice and encouragement.

"He's really down to earth, and I'm proud to soon be a part of his mess," said Chief Petty Officer (Select) Nichole Maldonado, from Corpus Christi Texas, assigned to Naval Base Ventura County. "Having him sign my charge book is probably the coolest thing I've experienced. It's really an honor."

Stevens will conclude his trip by visiting Sailors stationed in San Diego this week.

For more information on the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy visit www.navy.mil/local/mcpon