Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command discusses IAs, summer safety
by MC1(SW/AW) Bleu Moore
NORFOLK (NNS) -- The commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF) discussed current individual augmentee (IA) concerns and summer safety with Sailors in a podcast recorded July 7.

Adm. Jonathan Greenert recently returned from a trip to the Gulf Coast, where he talked directly with Sailors in Jacksonville, Fla.; Mayport, Fla.; Gulfport, Miss. and Stennis Space Center, Miss. about how they are doing before and after deployment. Greenert received feedback and ideas on how to continue to improve the entire IA process.

"It is always good to get out and talk to our constituency, as I like to call them," said Greenert, "The focus of my trip was to speak to IAs and to see the littoral combat ship that recently went through builders trials."

"We are making progress with our IAs both with the in-process and the out-process areas," said Greenert, "I think the folks believe an IA tour is a good thing for their career. Recently E-7 through E-9 advancement percentages were ten to thirteen percent above the Navy average; E-6 and E-5 were one to two percent better than the average. In the end for us the most important aspect for an IA is our support to their family, and the centerpiece is a good command coordinator. We are finding that it pays in great dividends."

During the trip, Greenert visited the Navy's newest warship USS Independence (LCS-2). The Navy christened Independence Oct. 4, 2008, during a ceremony at Austal USA in Mobile, Ala. Independence is the Navy's second littoral combat ship and features a distinctive trimaran hull.

"This is an all aluminum ship. I will tell you it's fast; it's maneuverable; it's agile, and it's got great volume and adaptability," said Greenert, "This is cutting-edge technology right in front of your eyes, and it will fit very well in our maritime strategy. It's a great ship, and I look forward to integrating her into the fleet."

Greenert also had a message to pass to Sailors about summer safety.

"If I could ask the folks to do one thing, it's manage your risk," said Greenert, "If you are going to a barbecue, remember that alcohol and sun will dehydrate you. We have regrettably lost two Sailors in the last few weeks due to their lack of sufficient swimming skills. In both cases, they were not wearing life vests, so we need to be careful," he said.

Greenert also reminded Sailors about the Navy's current policies on DUI and how to exercise safe drinking habits.

"Our policy on DUIs is a tough policy, and we will continue to ratchet down on this," said Greenert. "Driving under the influence does not affect just you, it affects your friends, and your family and your command."

"The Navy's new policy states if you incur a second DUI or DWI you will be processed for administrative separation," he said, "I want to remind folks that buzzed driving is the same thing as drunk driving, and it's not a good idea."

The podcast, a pre-recorded audio program posted to the USFF Web site, is used as a platform to speak to the fleet and is available for download to personal computers or mobile devices.

For more news from U.S. Fleet Forces Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/clf/.