CPO
Selections Surge
by JO2 Cori Rhea, COMSUBPAC
Public Affairs
An impressive number of new chief
petty officers joined the ranks following 14 September advancement
ceremonies, and selectees from the submarine community in Pearl
Harbor, Hawaii, quickly learned the meaning of their new-found
responsibilities. The aspects of leadership associated with
becoming "the chief" greatly increase the power and
responsibilities of each individual and at times can be
overwhelming to new chiefs. It explains why the United States Navy
is the only armed service in which such a very distinct difference
between E-6 and E-7 personnel is apparent.
"Since I put on the khakis,
people acknowledge me more than ever before, and I feel a greater
amount of respect. I also feel that, as a chief, I should do more
and know more, so I feel the urge to take more on myself,"
said LNC(AW) Teresa Hartford, a Hurricane.
"Chief petty officers are a
source of unity for leadership within the Navy," said CMDMC
Ron Johnson, COMSUBRON 7 Command Master Chief. "Their jobs
now include taking care of Sailors and making sure jobs are
completed successfully. The new chiefs will find that their lives
are harder now than ever before."
Advancement to chief petty officer
in the Navy requires dedication and a broad understanding of Navy
life. Recog-nition of knowledge and abilities is apparent in a
whole new uniform and also in a new job description.
Although the selections for chief
petty officer at COMSUBPAC were nine percent higher this cycle (FY
02) than last year, it does not diminish the fact that the new
additions have earned their acceptance into this hallowed
fraternity.
"Overall in the Navy, it has
been better this year than the last several. People are catching
up with the drawdown from years before," noted EMCM Glen
Baker, a native of.
More than 300 Pacific Fleet
Submarine Sailors made the grade in 2001. It was a good year for
the transition. |
