Experience comes with a price and since 1893 the United States Navy has flourished as a leading naval super power for one reason: The Goat Locker
April, 1st, 1893 is the birthdate of the US Navy Chiefs and what is often and commonly referred to as the backbone of the US Navy. From one generation of Chief’s to the next generation of Chiefs the knowledge, training and management of the United States Navy fleets from the surface warfare warrior to the NAVAIR Chiefs and the Chiefs that lurk in the depth of the worlds seas and oceans preparing to sink enemy submarines. The Chiefs run the Navy and it is their wisdom passed down in their vessels and charge books to the next generation of Chiefs.
Ask the Chief
It has been heard throughout the generations of Chiefs and those below the rank of Chief that when you need answers you go ask the Chief. They have the answers. Why? Because they got promoted through the ranks, became experts in their craft and naval rates and have the experience to train and prepare the next generation of enlisted Navy Sailors the art of what it means to be in the United States Navy. No more gun decking when the Chief is around.
There Was This on Time
Whether it was a Shellback ceremony, when we made Bluenose or even when we served aboard the USS Constitution and entered into the Order of the Rigging there was always a US Navy Chief there. Their khaki uniforms (the only uniform in any branch of the US military to change when a rank is earned) and their ranks in a steadfast line of solidarity is the largest military brotherhood and sisterhood of its kind anywhere in the world. The Thin Khaki Line is the backbone of the US Navy and without it the Navy can’t work or even exist.
“I nearly missed the ship if it hadn’t been for the Chief” who called my cell, picked me at my apartment and got me to 32nd Street just in the nick of time. They are your best friend and they can be your worst enemy if they are crossed. But at the end of the day a United States Navy Chief trains and prepares enlisted sailors for a variety of things their young careers will encounter and help them to the finest sailors they can be.
Lightbulb Repair Kit
The US Navy is not without its humor. When I first was first assigned by my Navy detailer to the USS Carl Vinson I knew I was in for it when I was told to see the Chief. He had special orders for me and I needed to locate him immediately. Not easy when you’re on a CVN aircraft carrier the size of the USS Carl Vinson.
Upon finding the Chief I was told to locate 5 additional Chiefs spread to the 4 winds all over the carrier. I was in for a marathon. Below is a short list of the things I met with one Navy Chief to discuss before being told who I needed to see next and then track down these items. Suffice to say I never found one of these items but I did manage to get my 10,000 plus steps in for the day.
Below is a short list of the things the US Navy Chiefs sent me looking for. They eventually called it the Chiefs Wild Goose Chase.
- The size 9 yellow tire stretcher
- Keys to the vapor locker
- Find the mail buoy
- A bucket of rotor wash
- Lightbulb repair kit. This one was saved for last and thus the Chief knew that I had cracked the code and finally sent me to my duty station.
Whether it’s the special humor found throughout the US military or it’s the hard core “Salty Dog” found with a red chevron wearing Master Chief who you just have to respect, the Chiefs run the show as they should and one day if you’re lucky you might have what it takes to be Tried, Tested, and True and enter the Goat Locker.
