Congratulations on a superb 117-year performance streak. What other group could rival the Navy Chief for excellence, dedication and the absolute 24/7 commitment to the mission.
Yes, you take liberty, leave and lay about in the Mess, but every minute of everyday there is a Chief within easy reach of an officer or petty officer. Sometimes it just doesn’t sound sincere when others say it, chief’s being indispensible and all, but would you believe John Wayne.
At the end of the movie “Operation Pacific” John Wayne as LCDR Duke Gifford is discussing the death of the Chief of the Boat with Ensign Caldwell (Martin Milner of Route 66 fame). The good ensign is concerned about the fate of the Chief. His C. O. seeks to assure him and at the same time educate him on the importance of the Chief…all Chiefs.
LCDR Duke E. Gifford, Executive Officer USS THUNDERFISH: “Well, before he took care of you, he took care of Larry, before Larry, me and before me he took care of Pop. Chiefs have been taking care of this man's Navy for a long time. There's a lot of good Sailors back there for him to take care of.
You have to believe John Wayne. See the below reference which also contains a sentiment about Real Chiefs and this movie. Although the phrase “take care of” may seem a bit out of vogue, nevertheless that is essentially what is happening, no matter how it is sliced. Chiefs must be the ever present expert…the rate is immaterial when an officer or petty officer needs training, advice or counsel. The very best officers know that, the very best petty officers become Chiefs.
The Chief need not brag and will not break faith with the officer or enlisted in his or her charge. The duty is to improve the individual and ultimately improve the naval service. Despite the comments on the link below, there are genuine characteristics of a Real Chief that set them apart from every other rank. When these are forgotten – even by one Chief – it effects the Mess and diminishes the Navy. It is not a catastrophic failure, but the slow allowance of Chiefly imperfection will rot the service from the inside. We need strength and every Chief to live up to those characteristics, not when it is convenient, not just when someone is watching, but always and everywhere. There are global enemies that would do our nation harm. How are you making the Navy ready – today! Happy birthday - now get back to work.
A bit dated…but you will understand the sentiment
http://www.miljokes.com/real-chiefs/
Birthdays are also times for reflection and in the days to come a reflection on the characteristics of a “Real Chief”.
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