Page 13 - Mariner-Vol65-Issue1

In difficult environments and often fac-
ing tremendous odds, our Chiefs work
together to improvise solutions and
win - this is what makes our Mess so
strong. We are far stronger, wiser and
more lethal together, and it is that unity
of effort that a CO is expecting us to
deliver on.

We do not celebrate ourselves, as we are
professionals who do this difficult work
every day. That said, this particular day
provides us the chance to reflect on how
far we’ve come, and to enjoy the fellow-
ship and camaraderie of our herd as we
remind each other of our shared history
- the events that have shaped our devel-
opment. More importantly, it affords us SUFFOLK, VA, UNITED GREAT LAKES, IL, UNITED
the opportunity to strengthen our inter- STATES04.01.2022Photo by Robert STATES04.01.2022Naval Station Great
nal ties — so critical to leveraging our Fluegel Naval Information Forces Chief’s Lakes GREAT LAKES, Ill. (Apr. 1, 2022)
unique organization and ensuring our Mess celebrated the 129th birthday of the Command Master Chief Anthony Corey
rank of Chief Petty Officer. The Chief’s
and Naval Station Great Lakes' chief's
Navy prevails in any mission our Nation Mess deckplate leadership, technical mess pose for a photo on the Navy Chief's
requires. experience, and ownership help make our birthday. 2022 marks the 129th birthday
U.S. Navy the world’s finest fighting force. for the Navy Chief, a rank established
Russell L. Smith (U.S. Navy photo by Robert Fluegel/ April 1, 1893. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Released) Communication Specialist 2nd Class
Brigitte Johnston)

NAVY History

According to the Naval History and Heritage Petty Officers was not eliminated until 1965. A 1958
Command website, the Chief Petty Officer was amendment to the Career Compensation Act added
officially established 1 April 1893, when the rank two new pay grades, Senior Chief (E-8) and Master
“Petty Officer First Class” was shifted to “Chief Petty Chief (E-9), and created six new rating titles.
Officer.” This originally encompassed nine ratings, or
occupational specialties: chief master-at-arms, chief There are currently three ranks of Chief Petty Officer
boatswain’s mate, chief quartermaster, chief gunner’s in the United States Navy: Chief, Senior Chief
mate, chief machinist, chief carpenter’s mate, chief and Master Chief. According to Naval History and
yeoman, apothecary, and band master. Chief Petty Heritage Command, “Chiefs are recognized for exem-
Officer could be either an acting (temporary) plary technical expertise within their rating, superior
appointment, designated as AA, or a permanent administrative skills, and strong leadership ability.
appointment, designated as PA. The Career Most importantly, Chiefs bridge the gap between offi-
Compensation Act of 1949 created an E-7 grade that cers and enlisted personnel, acting as supervisors as
standardized pay for all Chief Petty Officers, regardless well as advocates for their Sailors.”
of acting or permanent status. Acting status for Chief

The Naval Enlisted Reserve Association 13