MCPON Kicks Off Chattanooga Navy Week

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- The master chief petty officer of the Navy kicked off Navy Week in Chattanooga, Tenn., June 13, by visiting the Chattanooga Aquarium where the main attraction wasn't sea life, but Navy Divers.

MCPON (SS/SW) Rick D. West spoke to the Navy Divers from Trident Refit Facility, Kings Bay, Ga., who were setting up a static display of Navy diving equipment and demonstrating their diving skills to the local community by diving in the aquarium's tank.

"It's incredible to have this kind of senior leadership taking time out of his busy schedule to show support during Navy Week," said Chief Navy Diver (NDC)(DSW/SW/SS) Kevin Moore.

MCPON thanked the divers for their dedication and support for Navy Week and then traveled to Chattanooga's National Cemetery where he was the guest speaker at a wreath laying ceremony honoring Navy submarine veterans.

MCPON, who was raised not too far from Chattanooga in Rising Fawn, Ga., considers himself to be a son of the Chattanooga area. He told the audience who consisted of active and Reserve Sailors, veterans, submarine veterans and a WWII submarine veteran, that he remembers driving by the cemetery as a little boy and asking his dad what this place was, and his dad replying "Son, that's where the heroes rest." West said that stuck with him throughout the years.

"Our future would not be as bright if we didn't honor and pay tribute to our veterans who have gone before us and laid the foundation that we continue to build upon today," said West.

"If we don't remember them, we're going to forget them, and when we forget them we are unprepared to meet the challenges for our future and that's why we do this," said retired Chief Electronics Technician (SS) Larry G. Page, a submarine veteran. "It's very important that MCPON is here today, and we are all thankful to have him with us."

After the ceremony, MCPON, veterans, Sailors and Navy League members had lunch and spent time together at a local restaurant.

"I enjoyed watching the younger Sailors and the veterans interact," said West. "The Sailors were just soaking in all the stories and differences between the Navy of yesterday and today."

Sailors also enjoyed time with MCPON.

"MCPON is big with Facebook and social media, but to have him come out here in person helps bring it to a new level when it comes to our MCPON reaching out and getting to know Sailors," said Sonar Technician Submarine 1st Class Rusty Bryant. "I had a chance to meet MCPON last year, but sitting down to lunch with him is definitely the highlight of my career."

Chattanooga Navy Week is scheduled to run through June 19, and is one of 21 Navy Weeks across the country this year. Navy Weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they make in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence.