Secretary of the Navy speaks at Whiteman BCC

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jason Barebo
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Secretary of the Navy, Dr. Donald Winter, visited Whiteman Air Force Base May 30 during the Base Community Council luncheon held at the Mission's End.

Invited by Missouri Congressman Ike Skelton, Dr. Winter spoke to the council about the history of the Navy and its growth under President Theodore Roosevelt.

Dr. Winter then addressed plans for increasing naval power by more than 30 ships by 2020 to ensure that Navy is able to meet both a short-term goal of fighting and winning the Global War on Terrorism, and a more long-term goal of deterrence and security.

Information shows that China has spent millions of dollars to expand their fleet, emphasizing on submarines, and their intentions are very unclear, Dr. Winter said. Russia and Iran are also building ships, he added.

The Navy also has a very active role in the GWOT on the ground. More than 4,000 "sand sailors" are deployed to Afghanistan and more than 25,000 more are deployed in Iraq.

These sailors fill many jobs including electronic technology and explosive ordnance disposal, Dr. Winter said.

Dr. Winter also spoke highly of the Navy Seal units, on of the many "unsung heroes" in the GWOT.

"The terrorists fear (Navy Seals), and rightly so," he said. "You don't often read about their heroics, but I can assure you they are the genuine heroes of this war."

Following Dr. Winter's speech, Congressman Skeleton presented him with a Spirit of Missouri coin to thank him for speaking to the BCC. Additionally, Col. John Robinson 509th Bomb Wing vice commander, presented Dr. Winter with a few more B-2 mementos and promised a tour of a real B-2 later that day.

The next Base Community Council meeting will be held June 26 at the Mission's End.