Photo By Petty Officer 3rd Class Sean Galbreath | 170608-N-SA412-038 ATLANTIC OCEAN (June 7, 2017) Senior Chief Aviation Ordnanceman...... read more read more
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Sailors on board the amphibious assault ship USS WASP (LHD 1) gathered at the ship’s forecastle June 8 to witness three Chief Petty Officers having new anchors – with a star – pinned to their collars. Senior Chief Culinary Specialist John Carter, Senior Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Sammy Canup, and Senior Chief Aviation Structural Mechanic Joshua Laird stood at rapt attention as members of the WASP Chiefs Mess pinned on the physical representations of years of hard work, leadership, and mentoring.
“It takes determination and persistence to be selected for Senior Chief Petty Officer,” said WASP Command Master Chief Gregory Carlson. “Senior Chief is terribly competitive and makes up 2.5% of the enlisted force of the Navy and overall 4% of the enlisted ranks. While leading as servant leaders, Senior Chief Petty Officers make a treasured difference by guiding junior Sailors, mentoring new Chiefs, and managing processes, while being humble role models for fellow shipmates.”
The pinning took place in the midst of a high-tempo phase for WASP, as the ship pulled out of BAE Systems Norfolk only a day prior, and was in the beginning phases of sea trials in advance of their much-anticipated homeport shift to Sasebo, Japan. Before getting back to work and beginning to assimilate their new duties, Wasp’s newest Senior Chiefs had a momentary respite with smiles, handshakes, hugs, and a chance to reflect on the enormity of their recent promotion.
“This is another one of those humbling experiences that the Navy throws at you... Just when you think that you are at the end of your road, another opportunity presents itself,” said Senior Chief Laird, who also noted his Sailors were directly responsible for his success. “I couldn't wait to tell my Sailors that I was selected to Senior Chief. I was compelled to thank them for their part in my selection. As a leader, I share in their successes, failures, and often times, family loss. Our sailors invest in us as their leaders - in turn we must be invested in them.”
Wasp is currently in the beginning phases of sea trials as they prepare for a much-anticipated homeport shift to Sasebo, Japan, where they are slated to relieve the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6).
| Date Taken: | 06.08.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 06.08.2017 18:05 |
| Story ID: | 236951 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 187 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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