Fourth Fleet Sailors visit Jacksonville University NROTC

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sean Allen
4th Fleet Public Affairs, U.S. Navy

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) — Sailors from U.S. 4th Fleet spent the morning with more than 50 Navy midshipmen from Jacksonville University Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Feb. 14.

The group from 4th Fleet was made up of several Chief Petty Officers, including Command Master Chief (CMDCM) (SW/EXW/FMF) David Tellez, and 4th Fleet Sailor of the Year, Fire Controlman (SW) 1st Class Harry Hall.

Tellez spoke to the group about the importance of junior officers and chief petty officers working together.

“It is essential for officers and chiefs to work together,” said Tellez. “Young sailors look at leadership for guidance, so it is important for junior officers and chiefs to be on the same page.”

Tellez also talked about the importance of officers being aware of what is going on in their Sailors lives.

“The Sailors you lead will have many things going on in their lives, personal issues at home, and work issues such as Preform to Serve,” said Tellez. “It is important that you are aware of these issues and be able to guide these Sailors.”

Hall shared some of his experiences as a young enlisted sailor and the impact officers have on the Sailors they lead.

“Division officers can have a large influence on a Sailor’s career and if they decide to stay in the Navy or not,” said Hall. “Knowing that can help you as you prepare to begin your Naval career.”

Lt. Andrew Broyles, senior class advisor for Jacksonville University ROTC, was grateful for the group coming to speak to the midshipmen.

“It is important for the midshipmen to hear firsthand the importance of the relationship between junior officers and chief petty officers,” said Broyles. “This is a great opportunity for them to listen and be able to ask questions to fleet Sailors.”

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet (COMUSNAVSO/C4F) supports USSOUTHCOM joint and combined full-spectrum military operations by providing principally sea-based, forward presence to ensure freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain, to foster and sustain cooperative relationships with international partners and to fully exploit the sea as maneuver space in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.

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For more news from U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command & U.S. 4th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/cusns/.