Posted on 03/04/2004 6:01:09 PM PST by BykrBayb
Story Number: NNS040304-09 Release Date: 3/4/2004 11:43:00 AM
By Journalist 1st Class Jim Williams, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Gordon R. England visited with the Sailors and Marines of Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 1 aboard USS Peleliu (LHA 5) at Pearl Harbor Feb. 27.
The stop aboard the ship was just one of many during a busy day in which he traveled around the harbor, visiting with Sailors and Marines and conducting meetings with local military leadership.
"Hawaii is one of the most important places in the Pacific in terms of what we have stationed here," England said. "We have a lot of capabilities, a lot of housing and a large number of Sailors and Marines."
In the various locations, England's theme of thanks to Sailors and Marines for their support of America's war on terrorism was evident. "The President and the American people appreciate what you are doing," he said to the Sailors and Marines in Peleliu's hangar bay. "You're making a difference."
"The SECNAV seems like a very nice guy," said Intelligence Specialist 2nd Class (AW/SW) Melissa West, from the ship's Combat Systems Department. "This is my third time seeing him, but today I got to talk to him.
"He came across as very genuine," she continued. "His thanks was sincere, and I really do feel appreciative that he would take the time to come out and thank us."
After speaking with the service members, England answered individual questions and posed for photos with many of the Sailors and Marines.
"It was a great experience getting to meet him," said Machinist's Mate 1st Class (SW) Jeffery Matlock, Peleliu's Sailor of the Year. "He pretty much told us the views of the Navy and where the Navy is going right now."
The secretary arrived at Pearl Harbor following a trip to the Asia-Pacific Region that included visits to Japan, Singapore and Guam.
"Hawaii is a great place for the Navy," said England. "We have a large investment here, so certainly this place will remain a very important place for the United States Navy."
Peleliu, a San Diego-based amphibious assault ship, is returning home from a six-month deployment to the Middle East. The seven-vessel Expeditionary Strike Group 1, headed by Rear Adm. Robert Conway, includes the Pearl Harbor-based cruiser USS Port Royal (CG 73) and attack submarine USS Greeneville (SSN 772).
"This trip was a prototype of sorts," said England, "as we (the Navy) try to reconfigure our traditional battle group."
According to the secretary, the new strike groups may replace some of the traditional battle groups, where an aircraft carrier is placed in the center, to help have "a larger force be forward deployed at any given time be able to respond quicker."
He added he was proud of the Navy turnaround on the project, which was just recently initiated. "I am ecstatic that the Navy has done so well at bringing this concept along," he said. "One year ago, we were talking about this approach and today, we have deployments."
In response to a question about how these changes will affect the Sailors, he also said he believes the operational tempo of the Navy will not change.
"It is the same as before. The time at sea is still at the same level," he added, before going on to say while he still expects deployments to last about six months, in the end, "world needs will determine our deployments."
He also took time to meet with the local press and discuss some hot topics, like whether an aircraft carrier group will be based in Hawaii.
"There's still a study underway," England said. "A lot of different places are a possibility, and until that study is complete, we just won't know."
The Secretary of the Navy concluded his address to both the service members and press by taking time to thank the Sailors and Marines, a small deed that meant a lot to Marine Cpl. Jacob King, from Peleliu's Marine Aviation Combat Element.
"It's nice to know that someone that high up would take time out of his schedule for us," said King. "It's nice that he was willing to come out and take time to shake our hands and meet us."
"I just want to thank these great Sailors and Marines for what they do for our nation," concluded England. "God bless them and their families. The world will be different because of what they're doing today. They're making this world a better place for future generations."
For related news, visit the Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cnrh.
040227-N-9662L-063 Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (Feb. 27, 2004) – The Honorable Gordon R. England, Secretary of the Navy, tours the Los Angles-class attack submarine USS Charlotte (SSN 766) at the pier at the Naval Submarine Base Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The Secretary arrived in Hawaii following a trip to the Asia-Pacific region that included visits to Japan, Singapore and Guam. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class John F. Looney. (RELEASED)
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