What does it mean to be a Chief Petty Officer? Had I been posed with that question August 1, my answer would have been much different. As I am about mid way thru the Phase II process, my point of view has shifted; in many ways expanded. For 120 years, Navy Chiefs have passed on the leadership skills, traditions and values from generation to generation making it the strongest and most unique organization in the Armed Forces.
I have been mentored by many good Chiefs, Senior Chiefs and Master Chiefs who have molded me into the Sailor I am today and encountered some with leadership styles that I did not understand or agree with; but the one thing they all had in common is a sense of pride and heritage to be a Chief in the worlds finest Navy. Subject matter experts in their ratings, Chiefs are also experts in a wide variety of Navy programs, problem solving, prioritizing and counseling. While Chiefs are experts they do not know everything. They know that they have their Brothers and Sisters in the mess that are subject matter experts and/or have experienced similar situations who they know can rely upon to happily assist. The common experience of having gone thru the initiation, induction or phase II process bonds each and every Chief in the Navy. People who have never met are still brothers & sisters and would do anything for one another to help a Sailor and/or accomplish the mission.
That's what it means to be a Navy Chief and have Navy Pride. Operating at the highest standards at all times, knowing that our actions reflect upon ourselves, our command, the mess, the Navy and the country. It's a huge responsibility, one that we bear 365 days a year. We're problem solvers who take care of Sailors and each other. I'm honored to be in a position to “pay forward” to generations to come what my mentors have given me and I pray I can adequately fill the shoes of those who have gone before