Commander, Naval Installations Command (CNIC) Vice Adm. Dixon Smith toured Naval Air Facility Atsugi's 1,250 acres of land and infrastructure June 12, advancing CNIC's role as the global provider of effective shore capability to sustain the fleet, enable the fighter and support the family.

CNIC is the ultimate administrator of the Chief of Naval Operations' (CNO) Navy shore investment guidance to ensure shore infrastructure is mission-ready, resilient, sustainable and in sync with the fleet.

"As our warfighting missions evolve, the Navy's shore installations must continue to provide the platform to train and prepare our Sailors, deploy our ships and aircraft, and support our military families," the CNO, Adm. Jonathan Greenert, stated in presenting his shore investment guidance strategy for 2015.

During the CNIC official visit, NAF Atsugi leadership, Sailors, employees and even residents were treated to an opportunity to showcase the base's alignment with its region (Commander Naval Forces Japan) and, ultimately, fulfilling CNIC's "quality from the shore" vision.

Smith was accompanied by CNIC staff leadership including Force Master Chief Andrew Thompson. Locally, Smith was hosted and escorted by Commander, Naval Forces Japan Rear Adm. Matthew Carter and CNFJ Command Master Chief Joseph Fahrney. Smith also toured CNFJ bases in Yokosuka, Sasebo, Misawa and Okinawa, as well as paying a visit to the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo.

In six months, Smith has visited all overseas regions and a majority of bases in the CNIC enterprise beyond the shores of the United States. In Japan, NAF Atsugi's Commanding Officer Capt. John Bushey, said he was proud to showcase the people and facilities on Atsugi and demonstrate everyone's commitment to CNFJ and CNIC guiding principles.

"I am confident that the leadership, Sailors, Civilians, and Japanese civilian MLC's onboard NAF Atsugi are mindful of the critical role we play in support of naval aviation and operations within the 7th Fleet area of operations and enhancing our alliance with Japan," Bushey said. "We must continually demonstrate our understanding that the best quality fleet support starts with customer service. But with that customer services goes being 'brilliant on the basics,' making smart business decisions, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and being good stewards of the environment. Our commitment in these areas will enhance our mission effectiveness as well as support the alliance we have with our host nation."

During CNIC's tour, Smith first paid courtesy calls on key Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force leaders, Fleet Air Force Chief of Staff Rear Adm. Morita Yoshikazu and Commander, Fleet Air Wing 4 Rear Adm. Tatsuya Futakawa.
As the day progressed, most key NAF Atsugi facilities and service areas, open parks and vital flight line locations were toured.

"This base is your home," Smith said during a CNIC presentation. "Good housekeeping, sharp and squared-away main gates, building entries, greetings areas enhances the base appearance and shows your customers - fleet, fighters and families - that you care about the customer service you provide."

Ultimately, Smith lauded the leadership, Sailors, civilians and MLCs (master labor contract) at NAF Atsugi.

"You should be proud of what you're doing here at NAF Atsugi, especially in this strategic area - to not only serve your primary customers - but in enhancing the great relationship you have with your neighbors in your host nation," he said.

CNIC is headquarters to 11 Navy Regions around the world, 70 shore installations and more than 52,000 officers, Sailors and civilian employees.