117 Years and Counting

No. That's not my current age. Though some may think that's feasible.


Tonight I humbly presume to write a short tribute to a corps of men and women who are not only the backbone, but also the soul of the world's most powerful Navy. I refer to U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officers, who yesterday celebrated the 117th anniversary of the establishment of their rank. I'll make this short, because there is little I can add to the robust history this cadre has written for itself - often in its own blood - over those 117 years.


Just as a powerful lion without a backbone or soul is only a lifeless bag of bones and tissue, our Navy would be nothing more than a jumbled mass of steel without the seasoned, dynamic leaders who make up the Chiefs' Mess, or Goatlocker, at all Navy commands afloat and ashore.


For me, it's a bit more personal. In addition to the prescribed uniform elements that I wear as a senior Navy Captain of the Medical Corps, under my right pocket flap I proudly sport - at all times, Chiefs - another uniform device. Here's an excerpt from a website that describes it:


The Fouled Anchor is the emblem of the Rate of Chief Petty Officer of the United States Navy. Attached to the Anchor is a length of chain and the letters U.S.N. To the novice, the anchor, chain and letters only identify a Chief Petty Officer of the United States Navy, but, to a Chief, these have a more noble and glorious meaning.


The "U" stands for Unity, which reminds us of cooperation, maintaining harmony and continuity of purpose and action.


The "S"stands for Service, which reminds us of service to our God, our fellow man and our Navy.


The "N" stands for Navigation, which reminds us to keep ourselves on a true course so that we may walk upright before God and man in our transactions with all mankind, but especially with our fellow Chiefs. The Chain is symbolic of flexibility and reminds us of the chain of life that we forge day by day, link by link and may it be forged with Honor, Morality and Virtue.


The Anchor is emblematic of the hope and glory of the fulfillment of all God's promises to our souls. The golden or precious Anchor by which we must be kept steadfast in faith and encouraged to abide in our proper station amidst the storm of temptation, affliction and persecution.


Roughly two years ago, the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy pinned to my uniform that very device, including a Master Chief's two stars, and welcomed me into the Goatlocker as an Honorary Master Chief in the United States Navy. I do not ever expect to enjoy a higher honor in this great Navy than to be counted worthy of sharing that cherished device with the likes of Paul Thomas, John Prus, Beverly Leedom, Lou Cruz, Laura Martinez, Marcos Sibal, Chris Moore and scores of other Chiefs who have mentored and supported me on my journey to higher Navy leadership. Because, you see, the real job of a Chief is to teach officers how to lead. That's our secret naval weapon. That's why we are the world's most powerful Navy.

Without my Master Chiefs, my Navy career would be worth no more than a bag of bones, or a clump of steel.


Navy Chiefs! Navy Pride!