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OKINAWA, JAPAN – Top-performing sailors throughout III Marine Expeditionary Force came together to network and receive joint leadership training during the Sailor of the Year Symposium, Oct. 20, 2020.
The symposium helped recognize finalists for Sailor of the Year, as well as prepare sailors for the next promotion to chief petty officer.
“These are the best trained and qualified sailors who have been selected among their peers to represent III MEF as senior sailors of the year,” said Chief Petty Officer Paulmarlon N. Barnachea, Medical Operations Chief, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade. “Our goal is to train our reliefs. The Sailor of the Year Symposium is one tool that aims on developing leadership skills. This is significant for them as they progress through their career and put on anchors.”
Within the U.S. Navy, the anchor is worn by chief petty officers as a distinction of significant professional accomplishment. Chiefs receive a formal induction course and acquire new styles of uniforms before being welcomed into the fraternity, or “Chief’s Mess.” The process symbolizes a transition into the senior ranks.
Along with extensive experience, chief petty officers keep a network of contacts throughout the Navy, said Barnachea. The symposium gave the sailors the opportunity to expand their networks so they could become more effective on the job.
“If I have a problem I need to solve, I can pick up the telephone and call any chief petty officer on the planet, and I’ve done that,” said Master Chief Petty Officer Christopher W. Moore, command master chief, III MEF.
“We’re all in this together. It’s the network, it’s the team. My strengths are your weaknesses, and vice versa. We should complement each other.”
In addition to networking, chief petty officers require solid leadership skills. During the symposium, sailors received leadership instruction from senior enlisted service members from the Navy, Air Force, Army and Marine Corps. The instruction enhanced sailors’ ability to succeed as senior leaders in joint commands, explained Barnachea.
According to one attendee, the joint speakers reinforced the importance of the junior enlisted troops in each unit. Leadership is unique to each individual, and kind words can have a big impact within an organization.
“I think my guys work their butts off,” explained Petty Officer 1st Class Steven Urquidez, corpsman, 3rd Law Enforcement Battalion. “Sometimes you have to think, ‘Did I thank my troops?’ Sometimes they just want gratitude.”
Barnachea said the lessons will make the MEF’s top sailors much more effective as they round out their leadership skills.
“You have to do more than just focus on the mission,” added Barnachea. “You have to be taking care of the command, taking care of the sailors and being a great leader.”
| Date Taken: | 10.20.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 12.01.2020 21:37 |
| Story ID: | 384038 |
| Location: | OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 349 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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