program,  including  design  and  weapons  system integration. The Assistant Secretary’s responsibility includes business and contractual policy and logistic support of all DoN acquisition programs. It includes the maintenance, alteration, supply, distribution, and disposal of material; the Mutual Defense Assistance Program; all transportation matters; printing and publications; and industrial security. It also includes labor relations of contractors with the DoN. The Assistant  Secretary  supervises  the  acquisition, construction,  use,  improvement,  alteration, maintenance, and disposal of DoN real estate and facilities. OFFICE OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL OF THE NAVY.—The Office of the General Counsel of the Navy provides legal advice, counsel, and guidance to SECNAV, SECNAV’s civilian executive assistants, and their staffs. These legal services concern matters of business and commercial law. CHIEF  OF  NAVAL  OPERATIONS.—The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), under the direction of SECNAV, takes precedence above all other officers of the naval service. The CNO is the Navy member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The CNO, under the Secretary of the Navy, exercises command over certain central executive organizations, assigned shore activities, and the Operating Forces of the Navy. The CNO plans for and  provides  the  manpower,  material,  weapons, facilities, and services to support the needs of the Navy, with  the  exception  of  the  Fleet  Marine  Forces; maintains water transportation services, including sea transportation services for the DoD; directs the Naval Reserve; and exercises authority for matters of naval administration, including matters related to customs and  traditions  of  the  naval  service,  security, intelligence, discipline, naval communications, and naval  operations.  The  CNO  exercises  area coordination authority over all shore activities of the DoN to ensure that total efforts afford adequate support to the combatant forces and are coordinated among them to assure economy and efficiency of operation. In addition,  the  CNO  has  the  following  specific responsibilities:    To organize, train, equip, prepare, and maintain the readiness of Navy operational forces    To  determine  and  direct  the  efforts  needed  to fulfill current and future Navy requirements for manpower,   material,   weapons,   facilities,   and services.    To   exercise   leadership   in   maintaining   a   high degree of competence among Navy officers and enlisted and civilian personnel    To maintain the morale and motivation of Navy personnel and the prestige of a Navy career    To plan and provide health care for personnel of the naval service and their dependents    To   direct   the   organization,   administration, training, and support of the Naval Reserve    To monitor the DoN to determine and maintain efficiency, discipline, and readiness    To determine the need for and to provide for the conduct   of   research,   development,   test,   and evaluation   that   meet   long-range   goals, immediate requirements, and fiscal limitations    To devise Navy strategic plans and policies and help  devise  joint  and  combined  strategic  plans and policies    To  budget  for  commands,  bureaus,  and  offices assigned  to  the  CNO’s  command  and  for  other activities and programs as assigned The  Vice  CNO  and  the  Vice  CNO’s  Assistant, Directors   of   Major   Staff   Offices   (DMSOs),   and Deputy   Chiefs   of   Naval   Operations   help   the   CNO carry  out  these  responsibilities.  Of  particular  interest to  the  enlisted  community  is  the  master  chief  petty officer of the Navy (MCPON). MASTER CHIEF PETTY OFFICER OF THE NAVY.—In   1966   the   SECNAV’s   Task   Force   on Navy/Marine Corps Personnel Retention recommended  the  creation  of  the  office  of  the  master chief petty officer of the Navy (MCPON). The function of the office is to provide a direct, unofficial channel of communication  between  enlisted  personnel  and  the senior policy level of DoN. The office was formally set up on 1 March 1967 with a tour length of 4 years. The MCPON performs the following duties: The  MCPON’s  assignment  is  to  the  immediate office  of  the  CNO.  The  MCPON  serves  as  the  senior enlisted   representative   of   the   Navy   and   acts   as   the primary  enlisted  advisor  to  the  CNO.  The  MCPON advises the Chief of Naval Personnel (CHNAVPERS) in all  matters  regarding  active-duty  and  retired  enlisted members and their dependents. 5-11