MCPON James Herdt returns to Independence

As Independence was getting underway Monday from Jebel Ali, U.A.E., more than 1,000 of her Sailors gathered in hangar bay one to welcome the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy.

Master Chief Machinist’s Mate (SS/SW/AW) James L. Herdt discussed his goals and visions to Indy Sailors as they met him for the first time as their MCPON. Herdt recently became the ninth MCPON and took this opportunity to get out of the office and onto the deckplates to meet the Sailors he will be "serving" while in Washington.

"Getting out here to talk to you was one of the first things I wanted to do on my agenda," Herdt said after giving a brief account of his first days aboard Indy when he was a new Sailor to the fleet. After attending Machinist’s Mate "A" School in Great Lakes, Ill., he served his first sea tour aboard Independence.

"Every Senior Chief and Master Chief has a baseline set of concerns we share as senior enlisted people," he continued. "That’s taking care of Sailors. But, that’s a given, and what I want to talk to you about today are three things I want to focus on, and with your help, make happen."

The MCPON spoke in detail of his thoughts on bringing about better retention rates throughout the Navy. He highlighted better retirement plans as one method of keeping Sailors where they are at; in the Navy.

"Retirement Saving’s Plans are not going to keep our Sailors if we don’t meet their expectations in their job," Herdt pointed out, segueing into his challenge to all Sailors to start looking at ways of bettering themselves through training and leadership. "Building a Sailor begins at bootcamp and doesn’t end until he’s out of the Navy," he stated.

Also while on board Indy, the MCPON spoke with the Command Master Chiefs of Independence and Carrier Air Wing FIVE about changes needed right here closer to home. As he did in the hangar bay, Herdt discussed items that were being worked in D.C. that will soon affect the Sailors at sea and on shore. New uniforms are on their way, as well as a new uniform regulation making coveralls the standard underway uniform.

Before Herdt finished speaking with the gathered Sailors he opened the floor to answer questions from the crew.

ET2 (SW) Clint Rosendale from Fort Collins, Co. said that although he didn’t have any specific questions for the MCPON, he was glad he took the time out to "come aboard Indy and let us know more about what’s taking place back home."

Complimenting the Independence crew for their performance and their flexibility, Herdt made it known that the Independence was in the thoughts of every leader back in Washington and that a day doesn’t go by without a discussion on "what’s going on here in the Gulf," he said. "It’s been a great visit for me, it’s one I never expected to happen. I’m proud to be here with you, proud to be your Master Chief of the Navy, and I’m going to do everything I can to be representative of all the things you tell me are important."

Photo1: Machinist Mate Master Chief (SS/SW/AW) James L. Herdt, Master Chief Petty officer of the Navy, speaks to Sailors and Marines in Hangar Bay One. PHOTO BY PHAN JOHN SULLIVAN

Photo 2: The MCPON spoke with Indy’s Chief Engineer and Main Propulsion Assistant in Damage Control Central where he first began his fleet experience. PHOTO BY JO3 Joseph Rehana

Photo 3: More than 1,000 of her Sailors gathered in hangar bay one to welcome the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy.