The Sextant
By Vice Adm. Bill Moran
Chief of Naval Personnel
Today, on this 122nd Birthday of the Mess, there is no greater honor than to salute our Chief Petty Officers – past, present and future.
As the conscience of our Navy, Chiefs keep us grounded in our proudest traditions, while always looking for ways to make our service better.
We ask a lot of these men and women… to be watchstanders, deckplate leaders, technical experts, but perhaps most important of their many responsibilities is that of role model and coach to our newest Sailors.
As molders of talent, Chiefs quickly become the first teachers of what’s right and what it means to make a difference. Whether to an Ensign, or an E-3, the direction to “ask the Chief” means problems will soon be solved and the chance to learn has just begun.
Over the last twenty months, our team has benefited greatly from the Chiefs, Senior Chiefs and Master Chiefs we have worked with around the Fleet. Never shy and always willing to tell us how we can do better, their thoughtful counsel has shaped our efforts to improve the lives of Sailors and families.
Happy Birthday, Chiefs. You make us who we are, and who we will become. I treasure every opportunity to be around my heroes – the selfless, humble quiet leaders of the Mess. Your professionalism and sacrifice make us the greatest Navy the world has ever known. Thank you for all you do.
CNP
