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JBSA News
NEWS | Nov. 7, 2014

Chief of Naval Personnel speaks with Sailors at All Hands Call

By Airman Justine K. Rho 502nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

Chief of Naval Personnel, Vice Adm. Bill Moran, spoke with junior and senior Sailors from across Joint Base San Antonio at an All Hands Call at JBSA-Lackland Nov. 7.

Moran began his tour of JBSA Nov. 6 at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, meeting with leadership and students at the Navy Hospital Corpsmen A- School and visiting wounded warriors at the Center for the Intrepid.

Prior to the All Hands Call, Moran toured the Navy Master-at-Arms A-School grounds at JBSA-Lackland.

Moran explained the importance of an open communication between senior leadership and naval personnel, specifically in a joint force training environment.

"It's crucial for senior leadership to keep communication lines open with junior Sailors in the fleet," Moran said. "We need their feedback to know what's making them proud of their service and what aspects are distracting them; from there, we can fix those issues that are important to the Sailors, their families and their command." 

"We are a joint force and Sailors that are living and operating in these environments have a lot to tell us about where we are successful and those aspects that we need to address more," continued Moran.

Sailors from across JBSA had the opportunity to ask the CNP about topics affecting their everyday military life and career. Some topics included uniform requirements, shorter deployments, pay and benefits, the loan repayment program, transitioning to a civilian career, and the growing naval force.

Moran told Sailors to be open and speak with their leadership.

"Don't wait for guys like me to show up to voice what is going on," explained Moran. "They help themselves and their leadership by voicing issues; which in turn, helps leadership evolve and adapt."

The forum with its question and answer session had positive reactions from the participants.

"The setting allowed for questions to be answered right then and there," said Chief Hospital Corpsman Aaron Ward, stationed at the Basic Medical Technician Corpsmen Program at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston. "As opposed to someone speaking to us, stating the information they want to relay and maybe answering one or two questions."

Participants were asked why they think it's important to have face-to-face interaction with senior leadership.

"I think it was very informative for the CNP to come out and be with the Sailors in an area with little naval presence," said Petty Officer John Escobedo, Navy Recruiting District San Antonio. "There is communication through news letters or e-mails, but there is nothing better than face-to-face meetings with leadership."

"I think a leader should always be able to be present around their people; so their people understand who they are, what they expect and what they are moving forward with," explained Ward.

Despite the CNP's tight schedule, it seems that the impact of his visit was reflected in the positive reactions of the Sailors and the mutual appreciation.