The White Falcon - 18.08.2005, Page 8

A letter to Europe’s Chief Petty Officers
By Fleet Master Chief
Anthony Evangelista,
Commander Navy Region Europe
and Commander 6th Fleet
Master Chief
Many of our Naval Forces Europe
(NAVEUR) shipmates are finding
themselves undergoing a transition
as they prepare for Sept. 16th. That’s
the day when they will change uni-
forms, pin anchors on their collars,
and continue their careers as Chief
Petty Officers (CPOs) in our 21st
century Navy.
The Navy places special emphasis
on the seventh rung of the enlisted
promotion ladder. This recognition,
more than a century old, is based
on the record of proven service and
sustained value attributed to CPOs.
CPOs are enlisted warriors who
lead and manage the Sailor resourc-
es of the Navy we serve. Unleashing
the genius and capitalizing on the
talents of 300K+ terrific Sailors is
critical to our maintaining a strong,
agile naval force that is capable of
answering any bell, at any time.
Chiefs are responsible for that
process and we take it seriously.
We understand that the number of
Sailors in the fight does not define
combat power, but instead by the
capabilities of those Sailors.
As we lead, develop, train and
mentor our newest members, our
goal will be to infuse several funda-
mentals into those soon to don kha-
kis. Principal among them will be
the fact that we are engaged in the
Global War on Terrorism. In this
high tempo war, we find ourselves
more expeditionary than ever.
Today, Sailors around the world
are engaged in diverse missions.
They include direct support of the
continuing global war on terror-
ism, to humanitarian missions, to
joint operations with our allies, and
emerging partners across the globe.
We expect this pace to continue for
the foreseeable future.
Chiefs also take very seriously
our role in providing our Sailors
and their families the best quality
of service and quality of life oppor-
tunities available. The keystone to
human capital mission readiness is
ensuring our Sailors and the Navy
Family Europe are aware of the
great value we place in their ser-
vice and community contributions.
A quick look around at any of our
phenomenal bases in theater will
prove beyond a shadow of a doubt
that we “put up” in this regard.
CPOs places great value in clear
and consistent communication as
we serve as information “clutches”
between senior leadership and deck
plate Sailors, ensuring not only that
information flows freely, but that it
also penetrates to the appropriate
depths within the ranks. We know
from a recent study by the Chief of
Naval Information (CHINFO) that
Sailors and their families receive
more than 70 percent of their infor-
mation regarding the Navy direct-
ly from their chain of command.
Chiefs never underestimate the
power of conversation. A consis-
tency of message that is open and
transparent is truly a force enabler!
Chiefs believe in personal safety
for Sailors and families. The role
that CPOs play in preventing off-
duty mishaps cannot be underesti-
mated. Safety is an integral com-
ponent of every discussion Chiefs
have with Sailors, as is Operational
Risk Management (ORM). We
know that fulfilling the CNO’s goal
of reducing Class A mishaps by
an additional 26 percent this year
will require a steady emphasis on
this critical topic with those in our
charge.
Chiefs are trainers. Navy Military
Training delivery is a CPO core
competency. All Chiefs consider
themselves Navy Military Training
Instructors who utilize the myriad
delivery tools available to contin-
ue the professional and personal
development of our Sailors.
Chiefs promote a culture of fit-
ness and overall health. Although
we tend to focus primarily on the
physical fitness aspect of this initia-
tive, and indeed the positive impact
of group physical fitness on cama-
raderie and unit cohesion cannot
be underestimated. CPOs also lead
others in promoting overall healthy
lifestyles with appropriate empha-
sis on mind, body and spiritual
development.
Chiefs are the standard bear-
ers of appearance and behavioral
standards. We work continually
at removing the impediments to
the success of our Sailors. This
requires relentless dedication to
equipping Sailors through educa-
tion and mentorship regarding their
responsibility to themselves and
others in preventing instances of
DUI, domestic and blue on blue
violence, sexual harassment and
assault, fraternization and hazing.
NAVEUR Chiefs also display pride
in their uniform and civilian attire
ensuring their appearance and that
of their dependents is in keeping
with our core values while enhanc-
ing the reputation of the United
States abroad.
Successful CPOs understand the
business rules which govern the
naval enterprise they operate with-
in. With this understanding, Chiefs
are more able to explain technical,
maintenance and quality of service
decisions that are consistent with
overarching business strategies
and goals of the Navy. Chiefs who
understand return on investment,
productivity, cost-wise readiness
and resource management operate
at a level consistent with our Sea
Enterprise Initiative.
As our Navy continues its work
on our Human Capital Strategy,
the roles and responsibilities of
CPOs are sure to expand as will
the tool box and resources avail-
able to them. We look forward to
the product of this plan as it comes
to fruition.
The road ahead is uncertain yet
promising. So, as you walk around
bases, ships, stations and squadrons
over the next several weeks, be sure
UNITE!) STATES NAVY
to take a minute to clasp the hand of
one of NAVEUR’s newly selected
CPOs and wish them well.
This is certainly an exciting and
rewarding time to be in a leadership
role in the service of our shipmates,
Navy and nation. Congratulations
FY06 CPOs.
Local Airmen earn the first
numbered Antiterrorism coins
Commander Icelandic Defense Force Col. Craig Croxton (left) describes
the importance of the 85th Security Forces Squadron’s 8-5 Force
Protection (FP) Initiative as Tech. Sgt., Keith Serrano (85 MXS) (mid-
dle) and Senior Airman Jeremy Caquelin (85 CES) await the presenta-
tion of the first numbered Antiterrorism (AT) coins, Monday Aug. 08.
The coins were presented to the Airmen for their suggestion of a TDY/
LV out-processing checklist which ensured departing personnel received
appropriate AT briefs before departing the installation.
Tech . Sgt. Edgar Barbosa (85 SFS) was also presented the coin, num-
bered 0001, for his efforts in establishing the website which accepts
AT/FP suggestions.
The 85 GP Suggestion Program, utilizes a web page, and allows anyone,
on NASKEF with a .mil domain and access to the A.F. intranet, to write
a quick suggestion that may identify an unknown vulnerability/defi-
ciency. Fusing the knowledge of the entire base, it multiplies the num-
ber of “eyes” identifying potential vulnerabilities/deficiencies ten-fold.
To broaden the target audience for potential suggestions, the link for
the page is https://intranet/85sfs/Anti-Terrorism-Force%20Protection/
Suggest/suggest.htm.
Furthermore, any suggestion considered will receive a certificate signed
by the 85 GP Commander as well as an Antiterrorism/Force Protection
coin.
The ultimate goal of the program is to pool the knowledge of all person-
nel in their work centers, since they know their areas best.
(Photo by Tech. Sgt. Augusto Quimpo)
Page 12
The White Falcon
Aug. 18, 2005