GSM1 (SW) Charles Hurt and CMDCM Fitch of the USS McInerney FFG-8 are presenting Master Chief Gary Weaver with a plaque of ''The Watch.'' -Photo by ITSA Adam Becker

McInerney's CMC Retires After 32 Years

By Lt.j.g. Lucas Y. Tomlinson
USS McInerney PAO

'Master Chief taught our Navy that success comes from having goals, taking calculated risks, developing experience and holding on to our convictions,'' said USS McInerney Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Rick Williams, during last week's retirement ceremony.

The goals, risks, and experience Commander Williams referenced came from CMDCM(SW) Gary Weaver's extraordinary 32-year career - 37 if you include his previous enlistment in the United States Air Force dating back to 1967.

Weaver's military experience includes 10 deployments on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, USS John Young (DD-973), USS Ingersoll (DD-990), USS Duluth (LPD-6) and USS McInerney (FFG-8).

When asked what he would miss most about Navy life, Weaver did not hesitate to say, ''The camaraderie.''

Weaver holds the distinction of being one of only eight master chief petty officers allowed to serve past their 30-year mark. He represents the top one-half of one percent of master chiefs who wear the coveted title of Command Master Chief.

Many on board contribute McInerney's successful SOUTHCOM deployment and Inter-deployment Readiness Cycle to Weaver.

''It was helpful to have a salty master chief's gas turbine knowledge while we were going through our Engineering inspections,'' said GSM1(SW) Bryant Syfert.

More importantly, it was Weaver's efforts advancing his crew that will be his hallmark.

Following a time honored tradition, Weaver was presented the American Flag during a reading of ''Old Glory'' by Chief David Tola, while selected McInerney crewmembers passed the flag, each saluting their nation's colors.

Weaver was surprised when Channel 4's Sports Director Sam Kouvaris dropped by to congratulate and honor Weaver's nearly four decades of service.

After Kouvaris thanked Weaver, he turned to the audience, and said, ''You know what? You all are not just in the Navy; you are the Navy. You all are the United States of America. I cannot thank you enough for the sacrifices you make while you are out protecting this country.''

The reception included a live performance from McInerney's ''Behind the Eight Ball'' and Jacksonville Beach's ''Alpha Dogs.''