Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Gilday visited Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples, Oct. 18, to meet with forward deployed Sailors in the region and listen to their concerns.
“Our Navy cannot succeed without our Sailors; you are our asymmetric advantage,” Gilday told a group of Sailors in Naples. “I want Sailors to know that the primary thing I want them focused on is to be the most ready Navy we can be. At the end of the day, it’s not high technology that will win a fight - it’s going to be individual Sailors.”
Following his remarks at RSS in Venice Thursday, Gilday discussed the significance of a free and open maritime commons and the essential roles that Sailors and leaders have – especially in the U.S. 6th Fleet.
“This is a dynamic and important part of the world, where your actions have immediate consequences,” said Gilday. “Today, the very nature of our operating environment requires shared common values and a collective approach to maritime security. And that makes steady, enduring Navy-to-Navy relationships more important than ever. Together we are defending international norms to foster security, stability and prosperity. And that is why we should continue to fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows.”
Gilday also highlighted the importance of warfighting and readiness while in Naples.
“We must be a ready Navy – ready to fight today – but also be committed to training, maintenance, and modernization, which will ensure that we have a ready Navy for tomorrow,” he said.
Gilday’s visit to Naples concludes his first trip to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations as CNO.
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