JINSA National Leadership Visits U.S. Navy at Mayport and Naval Air Station Jacksonville

JINSA National Leadership toured the U.S. Navy’s Mayport and NAS JAX bases in Jacksonville, Florida. The delegation was led by VADM (ret.) Carol Pottenger, a 2016 JINSA General and Admiral Program Participant and a member of JINSA’s Board of Advisors.

The JINSA delegation’s two-day tour included high-level briefings and site visits to 4th fleet, a P-8A squadron, a helicopter Strike squadron (HSM-40), and the USS Milwaukee which is a Littoral Combat Ship Class (LCS). The group was able to experience first-hand the critical work the sailors are doing. The delegation also witnessed simulator training operations; operations which enable our sailors to be combat-ready and perform at the highest level.

The delegation was graciously hosted by VADM Pottenger, and her husband Mike Condon, for a welcome dinner at their home. They were joined by ADM (ret.) Mark “Lobster” Fitzgerald, a past Generals and Admirals Program participant, and his wife Barbara, along with other senior leadership from both Mayport and NAS JAX. The relaxed atmosphere allowed the JINSA delegation to socialize with base leadership on a personal level. The dinner included an unforgettable briefing by CAPT (ret.) Dale Raebel, a Vietnam POW. CAPT Raebel discussed his experiences while being held captive and displayed some of his memorabilia from that time.

JINSA organizes base visits as part of our outreach efforts to ensure that our leadership better understands the work our servicemen and women are doing to keep the U.S. safe and to bring this knowledge back to their communities to advocate for a strong U.S. military. Conversely, we also educate officers and enlisted ranks on the important national security policy work JINSA is doing nationally and in their communities.