Smith has served because the fifteenth MCPON since August 29, 2018. Throughout his time period, he instituted Laying the Keel, an up to date management growth profession path, revised the command grasp chief instruction, and the Sailor of the Yr program. Extra importantly, he tirelessly advocated coverage and program enhancements for the Navy’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program in addition to elevated Sailor entry for psychological well being care to congressional members throughout his annual testimonies earlier than the Home Armed Companies Committee.
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael Gilday presided over the ceremony and highlighted Smith’s accomplishments throughout his naval profession whereas thanking him for his management.
“Your tireless efforts to offer Sailors with psychological, morale, and non secular help has helped make our fleet extra resilient and way more efficient,” mentioned Gilday. “Your management ensured that our most vital useful resource, our folks, are able to serve and defend the Nation we love. Having carried out greater than 200 fleet visits everywhere in the world, your outreach and willingness to be there for Sailors and their households is what actually made your service so exceptional. Thanks for all the things you’ve got achieved over these previous 4 years. Our Navy and our Navy household are a lot stronger than it was 4 years in the past.”
After the ceremonial passing of the MCPON cutlass, MCPON Honea took the helm of the enlisted drive because the Navy’s sixteenth MCPON. Through the ceremony, he spoke about his prime priorities; warfighting competency, skilled and character growth, and high quality of life.
“After I was chosen for MCPON, I believed closely on what my tenure means and what I may deliver to you all,” mentioned Honea. “I’m glad I selected to be challenged by this journey and I’m pleased with what it has introduced me. I thanks all for accepting the identical problem and being on this journey with me. I’ve all the time been proud to be your Shipmate, and I’m privileged to be your MCPON.”
The MCPON serves as an advisor to the CNO and to the Chief of Naval Personnel in issues coping with enlisted personnel and their households. The MCPON can also be an advisor to boards coping with enlisted personnel points; is the enlisted consultant of the Division of the Navy at particular occasions; could also be known as upon to testify on enlisted personnel points earlier than Congress, and maintains a liaison with enlisted partner organizations.
