Chiefs Celebrate 128 Years of Heritage
By Mass Communications Specialist Seaman Jackson Adkins
USS Gerald R. Ford's Public Affairs
NORFOLK, Va. - Since 1893, chief petty officers (CPO) have freely accepted responsibilities beyond that of printed assignment, unlike any other enlisted person in the U.S. military. The chiefs aboard USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) came together in the Chief's Mess to celebrate 128 years of heritage, tradition and leadership, April 1, 2021.
During the celebration, the success of junior Sailors was emphasized as something that weighs tremendously on the chief's mess, and that the same duties and responsibilities of chiefs that shaped the Navy 128 years ago are the same responsibilities that shape today's...
An evolved sea sparrow missile (ESSM) launches from one of USS Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN 78) weapons sponsons during combat systems ship qualification trials (CSSQT), April 16, 2021. CSSQT is a Naval Sea Systems Command requirement to verify that ship personnel can operate and maintain their combat systems in a safe and effective manner. Ford is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting its final independent steaming event of post-delivery tests and trials. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Zachary Melvin)
Capt. Jeremy Shamblee, USS Gerald R. Ford’s (CVN 78) executive officer, discusses aircraft launch and recovery (ALRE) officers with Lt. Gregory Emde, an ALRE officer aboard Ford, March 21, 2021. Ford is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting an independent steaming event. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brett Walker)
Gerald R. Ford, the 38th President of the United States, was born July 14, 1913, in Omaha, NE. The future President grew up in a close-knit family, excelled scholastically and athletically at South High School in Grand Rapids, and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in November 1927.
Ford attended the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, where he majored in economics and political science. An extremely gifted athlete, FORD was voted the Wolverine’s most valuable player in 1934, with opportunities to play professional football.
Ford chose the legal profession over a professional football career, graduating with a law degree from Yale in 1941. After the United States entered the war during World War II, Ford received a commission...
