Special from Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (SS/SW) Rick D. West

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)(SS/SW) Rick D. West released the following Holiday message to the fleet Dec. 1:

"Shipmates and Navy Families,

In anticipation of the holiday season, I would like to take a few minutes to wish you 'happy holidays' and to thank you and our Navy families for the outstanding service and support that you provide our great Navy and nation every day. I could not be more proud of you!

As you know I'm a competitor, and this holiday season I have a challenge for each of you. Are you up for it? The challenge is simple. Be mindful of your shipmates' holiday plans and don't leave any shipmate behind. Take the time to find out what plans your shipmates have over the holidays. No one should be left alone sitting aboard a ship, in the barracks or at home. You've worked hard all year and so have they. Just as our nation supports us and our Navy, let's support each other by making this season one where we are providing our shipmates with the best holiday memories that we can as a Navy family.

Take on this challenge and you'll receive the gift of pride knowing that we each contributed towards making this a memorable and joyous holiday season for our entire Navy family.

Additionally, I would be remiss if I didn't mention and thank those out doing the job. Today, thousands of our shipmates are deployed around the world vigilantly keeping the watch and ready to answer our nations call. Thank you for working hard for our nation's freedom.

As we bring 2010 to a close, please remember to keep safety at the forefront of your daily activities both on and off duty. We've had a great year in safety, and I want to see you continue this trend throughout the end of the year and into 2011.

Happy Holidays, Shipmates, and HOOYAH!"

For more news from Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, visit www.navy.mil/local/mcpon/.