CPOs Celebrate 115 Years

We were created to ensure that the Navy would survive after we left it. Our traditions and sacrifices have continued to strengthen us through numerous conflicts, which at times threatened our very existence as a free nation. We continue to shape tomorrow's Chiefs every day by taking care of our Sailors.

On board USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) we celebrated the best possible way we could. We were underway. The seas were not being very friendly, and the wind was making its presence known. Each Chief Petty Officer on board that day awoke and donned their wash khaki uniform, a uniform typically not worn underway. We also donned black ties, which hasn't been a part of the wash khaki uniform for decades. But there was a method to our madness, we love and respect our traditions so much that we wanted to look like the CPOs of old. We all donned our combination covers and stepped out onto the weatherdecks to take a picture in this nostalgic uniform. Our ship's flag was there, as well as our traditional weapon, the cutlass. Some of us held coffee cups for the picture, some even had cigars. All symbols of our traditions, our heritage, and everything we love about being a Chief Petty Officer.

After about 20 minutes of picture taking one might think that would not suffice to celebrate a birthday. However, USS The Sullivans was underway, and we needed to go back to doing what Chief's do best, taking care of Sailors. There isn't a Sailor in the Navy today that hasn't been trained by a Chief Petty Officer. From the CNO down to the young man or woman who just arrived at Great Lakes, they all have been trained and will all be trained by a Chief. We gladly, and without hesitation, take on this responsibility. We are proud to carry on our traditions because we understand we are part of one of the largest fraternities in the world. And wherever you go in the Navy you will continue to hear, "Ask the Chief!"