MCPON Rick West Sends 2010 Holiday Message To The Fleet
By Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy MCPON(SS/SW) Rick D. West

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)(SS/SW) Rick D. West released the following Holiday message to the fleet Dec. 1: “Shipmates and Navy families,

“In anticipation of the holiday season, I would like to take a few minutes to wish you ‘happy holidays’ and to thank you and our Navy families for the outstanding service and support that you provide our great Navy and nation every day. I could not be more proud of you!

“As you know I’m a competitor, and this holiday season I have a challenge for each of you. Are you up for it? The challenge is simple. Be mindful of your shipmates’ holiday plans and don’t leave any shipmate behind. Take the time to find out what plans your shipmates have over the holidays. No one should be left alone sitting aboard a ship, in the barracks or at home. You’ve worked hard all year and so have they. Just as our nation supports us and our Navy, let’s support each other by making this season one where we are providing our shipmates with the best holiday memories that we can as a Navy family.

“Take on this challenge and you’ll receive the gift of pride knowing that we each contributed towards making this a memorable and joyous holiday season for our entire Navy family.

“Additionally, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention and thank those out doing the job. Today, thousands of our shipmates are deployed around the world vigilantly keeping the watch and ready to answer our nations call. Thank you for working hard for our nation’s freedom.

“As we bring 2010 to a close, please remember to keep safety at the forefront of your daily activities both on and off duty. We’ve had a great year in safety, and I want to see you continue this trend throughout the end of the year and into 2011. “Happy Holidays, shipmates, and HOOYAH!”

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Sends 2011 Holiday Message
From MCPON (SS/SW) Rick D. West

WASHINGTON (NNS) – Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)(SS/SW) Rick D. West released the following holiday message to the Fleet Dec. 12.

“Shipmates and Navy families, “Can you believe another year is almost over? It’s amazing how quickly time passes when you’re staying busy! It seems we were kicking off 2011 just yesterday and here we are, about to usher in 2012.

“With the traditional festivities of December upon us, I want to wish you all the happiest possible holidays, and to say thank you for the outstanding service and support you provide to our Navy and nation. I continue to be humbled by your selfless dedication and the outstanding job you do every day around the globe.

“We faced some challenges this year and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future, but we will get through them together as we have done for the past 236 years.

“The Navy, after all, is a team sport and in 2011, we enjoyed many operational successes together that are worth celebrating. They are your legacy ... the deployments, the steady presence in difficult places, the helping hand when natural disasters left vulnerable people in their wake.

“You and your Shipmates worked hard and sacrificed often. As you visit with loved ones, scour the shopping malls, or hit the ski slopes during these joyous weeks, take a moment to reflect on the special appreciation America has for you and your family. “Be proud of your accomplishments, and share sea stories with moms, dads, siblings, aunts, uncles, and old buddies. “Most of all, be safe and enjoy the holiday season to its fullest. “Celebrate responsibly:

You are important to our Navy family and we need every one of you to return recharged for the next adventure. “Don’t let bad judgment ruin the New Year or your life. Look out for each other, and keep an eye on your Shipmates who may be having a difficult time.

“It’s also important that we remember the thousands of our Shipmates who are deployed, on station around the world vigilantly keeping the watch, ready to answer our nation’s call.They are there ensuring we have this chance to deck the halls, gather around family dinner tables, and belt out Auld Lang Syne in a storm of confetti.

“Thank you again for serving our great Navy and preserving our nation’s freedom. Sailors and families, you are truly among this country’s greatest gifts.

“Happy holidays Shipmates and Hooyah!

“Very Respectfully, MCPON”

01-29-2012 10:52 PM ...


Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)(SS/SW) Rick D. West released the following holiday message to the Fleet Dec. 12.

Seriously?