Secretary of the Navy John Phelan was on board the amphibious transport dock USS Somerset Tuesday where he spoke to sailors from several Naval Base San Diego-based ships.

Phelan told the sailors he's committed to improving the quality-of-life of sailors and Marines.

"If we don't have really good accommodations and basic quality of living, why would you come to work?" Phelan asked from the Somerset's flight deck.

Phelan said he's had a steep learning curve his four months in the job. Until his confirmation, he'd worked in finance where he ran an investment firm. He had no military experience.

But, he said his business-mindset is focused on improving the department, both in quality-of-life and increasing shipbuilding.

"Warfare is a business, and we have to understand that," he said duri

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