FRCSE Chiefs mark their birthday with PT session for Sailors

Photo By Clifford Davis | 160401-N-LQ867-010 JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (April 1, 2016) Fleet Readiness Center Southeast Sailors pass an ammunition canister up a hill at a command physical training event held to mark the 123rd birthday of the Navy chief petty officer. (U.S. Navy Photo by Clifford Davis/Released)  

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES

04.01.2016

Courtesy Story

Fleet Readiness Center Southeast

By Clifford Davis
FRCSE Public Affairs

Jacksonville, Fla. – As dawn stretched its fingers across the physical training grounds of Naval Air Station Jacksonville on April 1, Fleet Readiness Center Southeast (FRCSE) chief petty officers filled the air with cadences and encouragement.
The chief petty officers used the command-wide physical training session to mark the 123rd birthday of the U.S. Navy chief petty officer. On April 1, 1893, the Navy officially created the grade for nearly all rates, advancing most first class petty officers to chief petty officer.
Not only did the new rank entitle the Sailors to better pay, better food and, eventually, their own distinctive uniforms, but it also brought with it new responsibilities.
“It’s a tradition we hold that when you make chief, it is the ultimate leadership role,” said Chief Aviation Machinist’s Mate Kim Ha of FRCSE Detachment Jacksonville. “It reflects your skill and ability to lead. The chiefs are the ones who lead the junior Sailors and advise junior officers as well.”
With that idea in mind, the command fitness leader, Chief Aviation Support Equipment Technician Howard Williams, decided to mix things up a bit. He went to see some old friends at the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit Jacksonville and brought out a slew of ropes, tires, ammunition canisters and logs. Sometimes chiefs must think outside the box.
“I know for a fact the Sailors like this more than the traditional pushups, sit-ups and running,” Williams said as sweat dripped down his face. “My philosophy is if you want to come out here, you’ll give me 100 percent.
“If you feel like I’m forcing you to be out here, if it’s mundane, if it’s boring, they won’t give me 100 percent.”
Williams had the Sailors sweating as they ran up hills, pulled each other with ropes attached to tractor tires and lifted hefty wooden posts.
Master Chief Navy Counselor (SW/AW) Marvin Philpot said the obstacles provide a good metaphor for the role of the chief petty officers.
“Being a chief petty officer entails leadership, setting an example and helping guide the Navy into the future,” Philpot said. “What we’re doing this morning is showing our Sailors that we’re here to support them no matter what obstacles they face.
“That’s the point behind all these different obstacles. We’re here to help motivate them through the obstacles in their lives and their careers.”
The road to the “Goat Locker,” a euphemism for the Chief’s Mess dating back to the days when livestock were kept aboard Navy ships, is a long one for enlisted Sailors. But just making the rank and donning the khaki uniform doesn’t make the chief, Philpot said.
“You struggle your whole career to become a chief petty officer,” he said. “When you get to this spot in your life, you find out that it’s about doing what we’re doing right now: helping the Sailors get through things in life. You’re making them men and women first, then you make them Sailors. Once they’re Sailors, then you have them guiding our Navy. That’s our overall goal.”

• Date Taken: 04.01.2016
• Date Posted: 04.11.2016 14:45
• Story ID: 195042
• Location: JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA, US