Chief of Naval Operations visits Gulfport Seabee Base - WLOX.com - The News for South Mississippi

From the U.S. Navy

By Kyle Malloy
Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class
Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs

GULFPORT, MS (NNS) - Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), visited Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport to meet with Sailors, their families and Navy civilians, March 4.

More than 2,500 servicemembers and civilians attended an all-hands call conducted by Adm. Gary Roughead where he addressed current naval operations and the important role Seabees have played in missions ranging from combat to humanitarian relief.

"The flexibility we have in the Navy is what will be important to the nation in the future," said Roughead.

Roughead addressed the high operational tempo and extensive deployments the Seabees have maintained while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"There is no question we've been pushing you hard," he said. "We have not had this many Seabees deployed since Vietnam."

He further expressed how their efforts have gained them widespread respect and how grateful he was for their hard work throughout the world.

"What you have done over the past few years has been extraordinary," said Roughead. "You have a reputation as the best combat engineers."

Finally, CNO recognized that the work of the Navy could not be done without the support of family, friends and loved ones.

"We are busy but our families behind us make it all possible," said Roughead. "They pick up the strain while we are away and I understand that."