U.S. Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Gilday and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Russell Smith visited Norfolk Naval Station to attend the establishment ceremony of the Naval Safety Command and visit local Norfolk-based commands, Feb. 4.
NORFOLK, Virginia (NNS) - U.S. Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Gilday and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Russell Smith visited Norfolk Naval Station to attend the establishment ceremony of the Naval Safety Command and visit local Norfolk-based commands, Feb. 4.
Gilday was the guest speaker for the establishment ceremony, during which the Naval Safety Center was elevated to the Naval Safety Command.
This elevation, highlighted during his remarks at the Surface Navy Association symposium in January, was a key component of Gilday's call to action for the U.S. Navy to 'Get Real, Get Better.'
"The establishment of the Naval Safety Command expands our focus on safety and leverages Get Real Get Better principles, while we evaluate safety management and performance of the Navy and Marine Corps," said Gilday.
The 'Get Real, Get Better' program seeks to reduce the gap between the Navy's least and most capable performer, cement dynamic learning and innovation into Navy culture, and build better leaders and teams who are ready to solve problems more effectively.
"The significance of today's establishment can be summarized simply: it's a vital change that will increase warfighting readiness," said Gilday. "Almost no aspect of naval operations can be separated from risk, but risk can be reduced."
The Navy elevated the Naval Safety Center to the Naval Safety Command following the USS Bonhomme Richard fire and the Major Fires Review.
"We will empower our Sailors, Marines, and civilians by collecting their insights to bolster our safety culture," said Commander, Naval Safety Command Rear Adm. Frederick Luchtman. "Ultimately, the command will serve as a force multiplier of a culture that incorporates risk management and accountability by all individuals, regardless of rank and position."
While in Hampton Roads, Gilday and Smith also visited the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64) where they met with Sailors and leadership.
"Having the opportunity to travel with CNO while having unfiltered, candid conversations with Sailors provides essential feedback that improves our fleet and increases combat readiness. Our people are truly paramount to readiness; without them, Gettysburg and Mason could not perform the multitude of missions they were designed for. It is our Sailors who will ensure we prevail in combat," said Smith.
The Hampton Roads area has the largest concentration of fleet headquarters administrative and communication facilities outside of Washington, D.C. It is home to more than 82,000 personnel and several major tenant commands: U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Joint Staff Hampton Roads, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command, Naval Submarine Forces, Atlantic, and Naval Reserve Forces Command.
