Naval Station Norfolk hosts the Chief Selectee spouse workshop

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Katrina Parker | Lisa Howard, Spouse of Fleet Master Chief, Tom Howard, speaks to spouses of Chief Petty Officer selectees during the 2nd annual CPO selectees spouse workshop. The workshop focused on providing spouses with information that will help them during their Saiolors transition to become a CPO.  

NORFOLK, UNITED STATES

08.15.2009

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Katrina Parker 

Navy Public Affairs Support Element East - (Reserve)

NORFOLK, Va. -- Naval Station Norfolk hosted the 2nd annual Chief Selectee Spouse Workshop Aug. 15. More than 90 spouses attended the workshop, which focused on providing participants with resources designed to help them during and after their spouse's transition to chief petty officer.

Members from U.S. Fleet Forces Command, the Fleet and Family Support Center and the Continuum of Resource Education and Command Master Chief/ Chief of the Boat Spouses Committee spoke to the audience about the role a spouse of a CPO plays. Topics included CPO heritage, the induction schedule, etiquette, mentoring, sponsors and supporting the Chief's Mess.

"Programs like this help spouses understand the resources that are available," said Vice Adm. Peter Daly, deputy commander, USFLTFORCOM. "For 240 years, the thing that has made our Navy strong is the people. Behind the people are strong families. The commitment and support that spouses provide are essential to our success."

Naval Station Norfolk's Command Master Chief Gregg Snaza explained to spouses the purpose of the six-week induction process and why their support during this time is essential for CPO selectees.

"Our induction into the Chief's Mess is never ending," Snaza said. "We must realize that on the 16th of September, when your spouses put anchors on their collars, it is really the beginning of something, not the ending of something. No doubt your spouses have had some anxiety about this process because it is a moving time bomb for them every day, and here is why: It is important that every selectee understands that no matter how much we challenge them, life as a CPO will be much more difficult than anything we ever could put together in an induction process."

Snaza told spouses that the induction process is meant to challenge their spouses in ways that will prepare them for what the future of a CPO will hold.

"During the induction process nobody gets hurt, but when they put on their anchors and they start making decisions, there are real Sailors and real families at stake. They cannot get it wrong and they cannot do it by themselves. You are your husband or wife's checks and balances."

The workshop not only gave spouses valuable information, but also provided a way for them to connect with other spouses to build a support network.

"It is important to let each other know that we are here for each other," said CORE CMC/COB member and Navy Spouse Linda Port. "We have a caring community, so when we embark on something new, there is always someone there who you can turn to, who has been there before, who can help walk you through it."

Port said that an event like this is important because the transition from a first class petty officer to a CPO is so unique. She wants spouses to know that they have a group of people ready to help support them in any way they can.

"This official induction period will pass," Port said. "It may be a challenging time, but spouses need to remember that these Sailors have stepped up and they are what the Navy needs to be chief. It is imperative that spouses support their Sailors. It plays a tremendous role in the success of their careers."

• Date Taken: 08.15.2009
• Date Posted: 08.17.2009 15:42
• Story ID: 37599
• Location: NORFOLK, US