April 1st is the anniversary of the grade of Chief Petty Officer, created in 1893.
To read more about "History of the Chief Petty Officer Grade" go here.
And of course, the number one place to learn everything you need to know about CPOs is "The Goat Locker"
The picture is courtesy of the MCPON's PAO on Twitter.
Story Number: NNS090331-04Release Date: 3/31/2009 9:47:00 AM
From Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)(SS/SW) Rick D. West
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- On the occasion of the chief petty officers' 116th birthday, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) (SS/SW) Rick D. West sent the following March 30.
"On April 1st, our entire mess will pause to celebrate the 116th birthday of the United States Navy chief petty officer. Traditionally, this is a time for each of us to look at the honored traditions of our mess and the heritage associated with it.
In the days leading up to our birthday, I've taken some time to read up on many of my predecessors. One I'd like to discuss with you this year is our fifth Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, MCPON Billy Sanders.
Twenty five years ago, MCPON Sanders was leading an enlisted force that was gradually downsizing, and he was stressing a need to keep our ranks filled with the best possible people.
He turned his attention to the senior enlisted and said that there was no room for mediocrity. He addressed the entire group and told the master chiefs, senior chiefs and chiefs that, "it's clear from your years of service that you have made a career decision to remain in the Navy — that's not enough.
It's time to be a professional military man or woman.""It's time," Sanders wrote, "to be Navy."
What a statement, and look at how relevant it is today as we reach the end of a time where our force has grown smaller. Leadership at the CPO level has never been more important, and Sanders' words still apply.
I'd recommend each of you take the time to read up on the history of our mess. I think you'll find, as I did, that the lessons from our past have remained current to this day.
Happy birthday shipmates. I really appreciate the hard work you do every single day.
Don't forget those who have gone before us and the standards they set for us all. Keeping our heritage alive is a Mess responsibility.
Thank you for your leadership.
Anchor up and hooyah Navy chiefs!!"
7 comments:
I'm starting to feel old. Made CPO back during the 101st birthday year...GAH!!
Thanks Maggie :)
Well, you're not as old as the guy in the pic, right?
My dad isn't as old as the guy in the pic!
Was your Dad a Sailor?
Aye, my father served on the USS Enterprise - made it's first around the world cruise back in the early 60's. He completed one enlistment.
My oldest Son completed 6 years as an ET Nuke on the Nimitz.
My middle Son is currently an ET Nuke on the George Washington.
I served on the Forrestal - we are a carrier family :)
"we are a carrier family :)"
LOL, I am the daughter of a TinCan Sailor....isn't it funny how we break ourselves down.
I was glad to see the MCPON picked up on the "Anchor Up! Chiefs" phrase from my Proceedings article of 2 years ago.
http://therealnavy.com/Documents/Anchor%20up%20Chiefs.pdf
I hope more CPOs pick up on it and ANCHOR UP!!
Happy Birthday Chiefs!!
Paraphrasing JPJ's quote - "Without respectable Chiefs, Alas the U.S. Navy!"
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