CNO speaks at Nov. 7th PIR...

[Mary, Proud Mom of Nick]

NAVAL STATION GREAT LAKES, Ill. (NNS) -- Graduating recruits at the Navy's only boot camp learned more about their roles, their Navy and the newly released Navy Ethos from the service's highest ranking officer during their graduation Nov. 7.

"You are a United States Sailor. It is a privilege enjoyed by only a fortunate few in our nation's history, and it is a privilege with a storied past and distinguished history," Roughead told the Navy's newest 970 Sailors at their recruit graduation.

This was Roughhead's first trip to Great Lakes as the Chief of Naval Operations. The visit comes in the second year of his term, and in the week in which he has just released the Navy Ethos and CNO Guidance.

"This is where it starts, this is a great place to talk about the Ethos for the first time because the Ethos captures who we are," Roughead said. "The Navy Ethos compliments our creed because it is not a statement of what we live by, but it is a statement of who we are."

Roughead's message to the new Sailors is that they are part of the greatest Navy in the world today, the greatest Navy that has ever sailed on the world's oceans.

"These Sailors have tremendous opportunities ahead of them. They are part of something that is bigger than themselves and they, individually, can make a difference in the world that we live in," Roughead said.

"Sailors have been doing that for generations, and I am ever more optimistic with the young men and women today and what they can do in their lifetime. I am inspired by them."

The Navy's senior officer also lauded the Sailors whose daily jobs, at Naval Station Great Lakes, it is to train Sailors both at recruit training command and in their technical training schools.

"My message to those who provide leadership and mentoring and who shape these young people who arrive here and leave as United States Navy Sailors is first and foremost, my appreciation for what they do," Roughead said. "It is demanding work, and they give themselves completely to the mission."

Roughead's other message to the training staff is that they are doing something that so few people have the opportunity to do, they are shaping and molding young Sailors in an incredible career.

"There is no more important job that anyone can do than shape our future," Roughead said. "Without people the Navy is nothing. So, as they shape these young men and women as they come through and go out to the Fleet, they are the ones that are building tomorrow's Navy."

For the new Sailors the significance of having the Chief of Naval Operations at their graduation was not lost.

"It was just amazing to have him here," said Seaman Recruit Krystina Holdeman, 18, of Kenmore, Wash. , who will report to Cryptologic Technician Interpretive "A" School following boot camp. "I like how he spoke about us all being one team and working together; that is important to me."

Her words were echoed by Seaman Recruit Nathaniel Largent, 18, of Princeton, Texas.

"I am looking forward to serving my country and fighting for my country. It was a great opportunity to have the CNO here for our graduation, not many people get to see him." Largent will report to Naval Special Warfare Preparatory School, following boot camp.

For more news from Naval Service Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/greatlakes/.

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[Mary, Proud Mom of Nick]

NNS081108-13. Graduating Recruits Learn More About Navy Ethos
-- http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=40810