SASEBO, Japan -- Vice Adm. Rich Brown, commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CNSP), met with waterfront Sailors in Sasebo, Japan, in the hangar bay of the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) Aug. 1 to discuss his command philosophy and vision for the Surface Force.

Brown held an all-hands call with area commands, discussing the current status of the Surface Force, coming changes, and emphasizing his command philosophy of good stewardship, professional development and safety, and owning the fight.

"Good stewardship is not only taking care of our ships for ourselves – it’s about standards,” said Brown. “It's also about taking care of our ships for those young men and women who are going to come in behind us and potentially have to use these incredible ships to go forth and fight our nation's wars."

During this first visit to Sasebo since taking command, Brown also met with Sailors and leadership from Amphibious Force 7th Fleet (CTF 76), Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11, Mine Countermeasures Squadron (MCMRON) 7, USS Patriot (MCM 7), USS Green Bay (LPD 20) and Ship’s Repair Force (SRF) – Sasebo Detachment.

“90 percent of trade happens on the ocean- the only way the U.S. will prevail is with a forward-deployed U.S. Navy,” said Brown. “We want to operate a little quicker than our enemy – to get inside their decision cycle. That is our mission: Sea control. Sailors are the driving force behind our fleet and because of them, we are going to own the fight and be the best, the fastest, the toughest, and the smartest naval force.”

He also emphasized that the application of risk management must be at the forefront of everything done in the surface force. CNSF recently released a message titled Six Common Traits of a Mishap to the fleet, in an effort to improve safety and reduce operational risk on ships.

“Do not assume that someone senior to you has thought through the consequences of an action,” he said. “Regardless of why you came in the Navy, you came to serve. You need to ask yourself, ‘Am I ready to take my boss’s job?’ If not, then get ready.”