The Chiefs (1976)

A Study Of Senior Enlisted Personnel Aboard The USS California (CGN-36) At Sea, Relative To The Relationship Of The Chief Petty Officer To The Captain, Junior Officers And Enlisted Personnel, And The Attitudes Of The Cpo And His Family Toward A Navy Career.
Department Of Defense
Pin 34358
Chiefs, The

[@scottmiller1389]

Captain Miller, retired Admiral Miller who passed away August 15th August 2017 who was my father loved the USS California. A great man, great father, my hero. Thank you all of have served.

[@bodyloverz30]

You have my condolences on your loss!

[@Persian-Immortal]

My condolences to you and your family!

[@Persian-Immortal]

I have a feeling Captain Miller must have wished for VLS on his ship, instead on a single arm launch for missiles.

[@fnln544]

Scott, I truly enjoyed this film that not only showcased the USS California, but specific members of the crew. Regards to you and your family. As the 'plankowner skipper,' your father was the first captain of the ship and the only man who served aboard as the commanding officer for nearly 5 years! As I watched the film, I wondered about the service and careers of the men to include the Captain, Executive Officer and the Chiefs. Thank you for your father's service and it's befitting he earned flag rank! I really listened to the quote of the unnamed chief who said he'd follow your father to the bottom (thankfully, no such one-way trip to Davey Jones' realm); quite a comment from a subordinate and high praise towards your father. A great warship with a distinguished career from 1974 to 1998. Thank you to the men who served during this film...and their families. Blessings to the US Navy. Keith

[@paulsuprono7225]

As has been said . . . in the Army - 'Hand Salute, Ready Front' ! 🇺🇸

[@lucittm]

I was a Chief Petty Officer aboard USS CALIFORNIA after she changed home ports from Norfolk, VA to NAS Alameda, CA. This video brought back many memories of my time aboard this ship.

[@davidlucasmachado2831]

Did u like NAS Alameda?

[@waynefletcher9884]

lucittm Hand salute for a job well done!

[@fademusic1980]

Has anyone made the mistake of washing your coffee cup?

[@lucittm]

@@fademusic1980 There were several veiled threats, but never an actual cleaning of the cup. I used my USS CALIFORNIA coffee cup every day (5-10 cups of Navy coffee per day) for five years aboard that ship. After a while, no one wanted to touch my coffee cup, it was black as night inside.

[@fademusic1980]

@@lucittm as a Chief's cup should be.

[@mariekatherine5238]

Our Dad was CPO, USS St Paul, Korea. Passed away 5/17/18. Miss you, Dad!

[@stevefarris9433]

Joined the Navy in January 1955, served on two diesel boats, one nuke fast attack and a slew of boomers. Made Chief in 1964 and served until August 1977. Best part of my life and I still miss it.

[@kimoanhnguyen7598]

Thankyou for your service andGod bless you Sir

[@unkorichie2029]

Thank you for your leadership Chief!

[@zachhoward9099]

Thank You Chief for Your Service to the Republic!

[@DonaldWheelis-xb1lu]

I served aboard her from 1980 to 1983 my 1st ship and I still think about her all the time.

[@beyondmiddleagedman7240]

My stepmom's father was the last of the Navy's flying Chiefs. We used to talk at length about his time in service. A great man during and after serving. RIP Chief Culbert.

[@Ho-Ten]

PRC(AW/SW) Retired, proud of all my brothers and sisters!! GO NAVY!!! CHIEFS' PRIDE!!

[@retirednavy8720]

Retired Chief here. Started as an SM. Made SMC and then was converted to QMC. Served from 1988 to 2014. I miss my days on the deck plates and in the Mess. I salute all who have ever served at sea. It truly is a way of life unlike any other.

[@johnstark4723]

I miss the Navy as well. Good times, long days and some moments of "what the hell" all made for a great experience.

[@harrykelly7566]

Same, was an SM, made SMC, then became a CS. 86-2012

[@rickthompson9467]

Hey Chief I have a question, I always thought beards were not regulation unless medical clearance? Thank you

[@johnstark4723]

@@rickthompson9467 in the 70's there was a time they were allowed. 80's to present it's medical

[@retirednavy8720]

@@rickthompson9467 That's correct. But if you have certain skin conditions you can get what is called a "no Shave chit" for a couple of weeks to give it a chance to clear up. Beards used to be regulation but hat went away in the mid 80s.

[@repairsecrets]

I was on that ship on that cruise. Most if not all those officers and enlisted were the pre-commissioning crew. Almost all were gone within a year, scattered to other ships or commands or simply done with their time. I served there from December 74 to July 78. All that came from other commands that I worked with, said that ship was a tough tour. It did lots of go time and lots of design and engineering problems were discovered the hard way. Many memorable characters and experiences made a big influence on my life.

[@cw7422]

I am proud to have been a Chief and a CWO4, and the son of a Senior Chief/LDO LCDR. A number of people who served with me went on to become Master Chiefs.

[@wfwillis]

I made E-7 in 1972, initiated at the CPO Club on Treasure Island Navy Base, San Francisco. I went on to retire as CWO4.

[@SoapinTrucker]

Awesome! Congratulations Mustang!!!!! 👍💯

[@burgernfries9720]

I’ve recently worked at the now former Treasure Island Naval Station. It was hard seeing the base being torn down. I grew up around NAS ALAMEDA, T.I. And mare island

[@dougcarlyle3811]

I was a U S Marine, and served for 25 years, met several Chiefs in my days, and they are very respected on the ship, something I never will forget... spent time on a ship, and we did not do much, but I always saw the Chiefs and looked up to them even when I was a Marine, LCpl/ Cpl, I retired as a MSgt in the Marines, and really enjoy these vids..

[@chrismc410]

I was a defense contractor for many years. Most officers in my experience were clueless unless they were O-4 and above, Major/Lieutenant Commander. When an senior NCO came, E-5 and above USAF Staff Sergeant and above I listened and did whatever they said. If it came to a conflict between an officer below O-4 and an E-5 or above, i tended to obey the Sergeant or Petty Officer. Nine times out of ten they had the more correct answer.

[@byronharano2391]

You know. I respected the Marines I served under and with. As a squid I never had a problem with a US Marine. Never.

[@TowGunner]

doug carlyle Never was. Once/Always SemperFi!

[@byronharano2391]

@@TowGunner ACS I was a squid. However, I need to agree with a "OORAH!" My son graduated from Marine Corps boot camp. This is my son's goal in life achieved. I told my son he is now and forever connected to the Brotherhood of The United States Marine Corps. I am very proud of my son. ACS, thank you for your service.

[@TowGunner]

Byron Harano You’re welcome. Thank you for yours..... and tell your son SemperFi!

[@robertcloud8928]

Thank you Nuclear Vault for posting this video. Joined in 1968 and retired in 1994, as a GSCS(SW). Navy Chief! Navy Pride!

[@augsburg74aya]

i made chief at my 10 year mark on board USS GUNSTON HALL (LSD 44) and was initiated underway i stayed for 20 best years of my life DCC(SW) Marc A Reyes 1986-2006

[@catman351]

Do you know Captain Chassee?

[@augsburg74aya]

@BC Bob I think we had about 11

[@robertdeancantrell3668]

I was a crew member of the USS California during precom and commissioning of California and served as E Div Chief under Admiral Miller and was a Friend

[@InTheWind_]

That was some FINE Navy music! It's only started and I'm loving this show already!

[@davidbock7718]

My father was on the USS California-BB 44 during WW-2. 17 years old on the 40 mm, RIP. I miss you dad.

[@s.porter8646]

Served on CGN-36 From 97-DECOMM in A-div (A/C Shop, Then Diesel) left submarines due to medical, and returned to SUBs once cleared. This was by far the best tour in my 20 years cause we were the last of the CGN's.

[@mattpope1746]

Navy: we’re a branch of the service that specializes in operating big, oily, sooty, greasy machines. You know what we really need? No one: all white uniforms? Navy: all white uniforms!

[@dirtyeric]

@MichaelKingsfordGray Yes, even Nukes are oily. The reactor plant is just the tea kettle to make the steam, still need all the other equipage to make power from the steam.

[@matro951]

Lol

[@fazole]

Same thing in the airlines. We have to walk under dripping wings, open dirty inspection panels and squat down checking tires and landing gear while wearing essentially a business suit.

[@mmarple12]

Watching the crew heave in mooring lines to get underway made me cringe and smile at the same time. I’ve trashed many of my whites while being on line handling stations. The more you try not to trash them, the dirtier they get. lol.

[@johann5633]

Navy: 1956 - 1976 (very old school) Made CPO (BT) 1968. 17 years at sea duty, 8 ships both east & west coast. 3 destroyers, ( the real Navy), amphibious forces, Viet Nam, a cruiser & 2 carriers plus a year with Seabees on Diego Garcia. I don't recognize much in the new Navy, shipboard living conditions were harsh then but i loved every minute of it & going to sea was my lifetime quest at age 17 when i first joined. I like the new Navy vids.

[@davidmachado4400]

Jon you were in the real deal navy....nice

[@rachealsilburn901]

I am currently in the navy about to retire and although my tenure may still not be considered “real navy” by you, I am so with you. It has changed soooo much and that is one of my biggest complaints...that salty dog, navy way of life, I too consider real navy and miss the way things used to be. Despite the long days, unexpected underway extensions, snail mail, doubled watches, cold showers, getting chewed out, etc...I love and miss every minute of it compared to today. The camaraderie and morale is long gone Jon. Thank you for serving our country and going before me to support and defend freedom and democracy around the world.

[@robertwalker799]

@Lonnie Bullshit. Men and morale are the most important factors. Doesn't matter what whizbang weapon systems or awesome shipboard capabilities you have if you can't use them effectively. That's why God made chiefs. If you ever served at sea and endured extended deployments, reduced rations, port and starboard watch rotations, et cetera ad nauseum - and still got it done? Then guess what. You served in the real navy, with a chief who made it all WORK. That is all . STS2(SS)

[@remaguire]

@@robertwalker799 +1000 Totally agree. Retired LDO with 25 years naval service.

[@reallyhappenings5597]

You've lived a great life!

[@Carito_LIDU]

I don’t regret my retirement, but this video sure made me miss the Mess. I loved being a Chief and still do.

[@reddevilparatrooper]

My Uncle Chief Maldanado commanded respect. His sailors in his division respected him very much. He kept all the crew, officers, pilots and Marines fed on his boat. He was a very popular Chief to all hands. 24/7 an aircraft carrier has to stand ready. I lived Navy for 5 years and enjoyed every minute of it. The moves were both fun and sad when we went from station to station and 2 ports. I and my cousins whom I lived with often changed schools to make new friends and said goodbye to them. Hey that was living Navy.

[@TheCabledawg1]

I remember Chief Maldanado, we used to go after work and get into a fan room. There, we would fist each other till we came on each other's backside. Those were good days.

[@richardrice7232]

Retired SKC here, my second ship was the USS Arkansas CGN-41, it was a California class vessel.

[@galactus751]

CGN-41 was a Virginia class CGN.

[@rubenbalino6252]

As a BMC and a conning officer onboard the USS Leahy CG-16 and a few DDs, this video brings back lots of good memories and no regrets whatsoever. Love those days! Decom this "double-ender" in early 90 then pcs to the USS Elliot DD-967, decom her as well.

[@anajay78]

No cell phones wish we could go back to that.

[@GP9railfan]

I don't miss that 1MC "prep for underway" announcement!!

[@haroldlaetsch9848]

PREP FOR UNDERWAY! Sorry, I am a retired SCPO. Old habits.

[@LucidVult]

Railroads Across Maine Hooyah

[@jimwjohnq.public]

And if you watched the people on the pier, when the ship said 'single up', some of the wives took off their wedding rings. West Pac widows.

[@TGSamantha091]

"Undrerway.. shift colors" =)

[@TGSamantha091]

@@jimwjohnq.public yeah they had to put back on when they said to "marry the lines" upon re mooring hehe

[@christophertheconqueror8751]

Chief Operations Specialist! I hope to earn that title myself one day.-OS2 (SW) Roberts

[@christophertheconqueror8751]

Update. I am now a First Class Operations Specialist. Just one step away! GOD lead me.

[@b.honest3729]

Keep striving fellow OS and you too shall lead the fleet!

[@jamessveinsson6006]

@@christophertheconqueror8751 did you make it yet!!

[@christophertheconqueror8751]

@@jamessveinsson6006 update this year, my second time up I have been selected to Chief Operations Specialist. 13 days out from the season ending. ⚓️ Anchor Up!

[@christophertheconqueror8751]

UPDATE: Shipmates I'm proud to say I am now a Chief Operations Specialist! Leading OI onboard a forward deployed DDG in Seventh Fleet. Doesn't get any better! Anchor Up! ⚓️

[@knightsaberami01]

We were on a Dependent's Cruise. It was lunchtime and my Brother and I were standing in line in the Mess. My Dad was an STGCS, he found us in line, and asked us what are you doing? We replied in line for lunch. And he replied, "We don't eat here." Like I puked on Jesus Christ's feet and shamed the family 10 generations deep. We wound up in the Chiefs Mess that day and the older I get, the more I realize just how much of an Honor that was. All I know is whenever I have kids, I feel sorry for them, cause they're going to have a boring ass childhood.

[@Rick_Sanchez_C137_]

knightsaberami01 who’s fault is that?

[@knightsaberami01]

@@Rick_Sanchez_C137_ obviously ours 🤣🤣🤣

[@gybx4094]

I served aboard Her sister, the USS South Carolina (CGN-37) as a Nuclear Reactor Operator from 1976-1982.

[@kerentolbert5448]

Was there 1976 to 1980 as a Fire Control Technician FT. They wanted me to re-inlist, so I convinced them to let me go down to the plants and to get some experience in reactor theory for my last six months as an FT with the intent to re-inlist to go to nuclear school to be a reactor operator. I lied, I did not. 1980 we did eleven months in Indian Ocean.

[@USNMMCret]

By chance do you recall a nuke electrician last named Hunter? Not sure what rank he was on SC but came to USS Canopus as EMCS.

[@clintcannon1902]

Thank you, DCC (SW) John Stiner. You exemplified "Chief", taught and treated our shop well.

[@michaelmcmanus5196]

Chiefs in the sea going services are tops, the backbone and have earned extreme respect. The best mess quarters was always the Chiefs Mess. Any new Ensign would be a fool to not watch, listen and only open their mouth to ask a question. Add a star or two above that anchor and ya just don’t mess with Senior or Master Chief.

[@mikestanley9176]

And they always made the best coffee.

[@DeliveryDemon]

My great grandfather was fire control chief aboard USS California (BB-44).

[@edwardloudenslarger5371]

Great Video, lots of memories, Got out 1980 OSCS, I loved the Navy. Great life see the world and get paid. Smooth Sailing and Following seas.

[@edwardloudenslarger5371]

Trained at Ft. Benning in 53 got my jump wings assigned to the 11th Airborne Division, Ft. Campbell, Ky. Went to Munich, Germany in 54 or 55 , memory fails me. Discharged summer of 58. Airborne All The Way.

[@russelder9743]

Senior--- I was an OS3 75-79 on USS Dewey....best years of my life...hope you are well in these crazy times

[@jimwjohnq.public]

also, in order to be a CPO, you have to have the crooked index finger. Gotta be able to hold that coffee cup without spilling it.

[@sirclarkmarz]

I was stationed at NAS Miramar 70's all the Chiefs I worked with stunk like alcohol after returning from launch.

[@chuckjohnson2564]

I once saw a chief run across a parking lot without spilling a drop of his coffee and he was using a mess hall cup.

[@RobPetty622]

We called that the Gunny’s Grip in the Marine Corps.

[@brucedibble2885]

Jim W ... A Chief must also qualify in ‘The Stroll’ - the walk required to navigate the passageways of a ship while under way in heavy seas WITHOUT spilling a drop of coffee from that cup. ITCM(SW) Retired.

[@chuckjohnson2564]

@BC Bob We would call that a hydraulic sandwich. Then again We Build We Fight We party all night , and that we did.

[@followchristwithme37]

I retired off the California in 93 a beautiful ship she was but my heart belonged to the USS Long Beach. CGN9 the worlds last real cruiser

[@navycorpsman9313]

Nessas Homestead I call bullshit on the Long Beach being the last real cruiser. I was on the Newport News and she was the last real deal heavy cruiser.

[@georgecomeau2096]

The Long Beach was a great ship but, the last Real Cruiser had 8 inch guns

[@downlink5877]

Excellent documentary. A real time capsule of its era.

[@leomartin5965]

Look at that FRO. THE SOULFUL 70'S.

[@elwin38]

Zumwalt Navy! Beards, suit and tie dress blues for everyone, utilities, and salt and pepper uniforms!

[@billhuber2964]

I hated those new uniforms.

[@pizzafrenzyman]

The US Navy: It's not just a job, it's an adventure

[@byronharano2391]

Lol....FUNNY! See the world also. Since the world is mostly covered by water I did indeed see a lot of the sea and therefore I saw a lot of the world too. Flush down a lot of "the world" too!!! Lol....How you doing Daffy?

[@pizzafrenzyman]

@@byronharano2391 Best day of my web footed life

[@fazole]

Around this time, the Village People were also singing about being "In The Navy" or maybe Navy-eeeeee.

[@byronharano2391]

@@fazole I know I know! My High School classmates gave me a hard time about that after boot camp. On that note. On the plus side YMCA is now a huge Karaoke hit! Every body at the Y M C Ayeeeee...Y M C Ayeeee....lol. Thanks for the humourous "jab." Lol. "You can sail the 7 sees and sees a lot of WATER!"

[@fazole]

@@byronharano2391 Or see nothing in the submarine service! Yet, as a kid I was deeply fascinated by subs and airplanes. And I still am!

[@elwin38]

Never made Chief but love the documentary. USS Belleau Wood(LHA-3), 1/87~6/89!

[@byronharano2391]

Thank you for you time in rate Shipmate!

[@bernieburawski1446]

My career started as a YNSR aboard USS WILLIAM H. STANDLEY (CG-32) homeported originally in Charleston, SC, then Bremerton, WA and then to San Diego, CA. I reported aboard her in January 1979 at San Diego Naval Station, 32nd Street. Being 19 years old, I didn't know anything about how the Navy or the world worked. Fortunately, I was mentored by a Chief Yeoman Floyd Fesler who showed me a lot about the technical aspects of the job as well as what a leader does to mentor someone. I remember not many liked him because he was such a stickler for regulations. But I left the ship as a YN3 in 18 months on a split sea tour to USS MIDWAY (CV-41).

[@susty3938]

Wow, I’d forgotten about this but I’ve only viewed it once before and I was down in the hole when it was made

[@alankuentz4617]

My dad retired a senior chief in the early 80's. This is a nice video to give me some perspective about that.

[@sailorsaj]

I especially loved the NGFS portion! Navy Chief! Navy Pride!

[@anthonywirth995]

Served with a great deal pride in the US NAVY. And also served with pride on the Golden Grizzly

[@tylerw8216]

QM3 off CGN 41..........wow what a way back machine this video is.....Love it! Favorite Navy day (Tied)....Photex in the Caribbean when California, South Carolina, Virginia, Texas, Mississippi and my ship Arkansas were all together for photo's........bad ass group! Second favorite was our "Shock Test" in Key West

[@richardrice7232]

I was onboard for shock test. SK1 at the time.

[@TheDustysix]

This Jarhead has saluted dozens of Navy Chief's. They all returned them.

[@edwardpate6128]

It was easy if they were wearing a combo cover, no gold chin strap and the fouled anchor vs the eagle and shield. But those garrison caps made it tough from a distance when they were in khaki's!

[@jimdarrough1732]

And not a single one of us would have ever NOT returned you salute!

[@waynefletcher9884]

TheDustysix 😆😆😆 I think I did too as a young Marine

[@TheDustysix]

@@waynefletcher9884 I'm short. At NAS Lakehurst you see a Sailor in Khakis with a Barracks Cover I'd Salute.

[@TheDustysix]

@@jimdarrough1732 One can spot a Leader a Mile Away. The Navy Chiefs ret. and their Wives saved my Life years ago at VAMC Orlando 18 years ago. My 2nd Cousin retired Torpedoman Chief.

[@tomt6040]

Retired as a Chief in 1998, still miss the life.

[@dn52n56]

@Julius Caesar I was onboard the Ranger, we were sent up to the Alutians for training with female crews on their own ships, that was the out come of having woman onboard ships. worse thing they ever did.

[@glennsoucy4359]

The first officer introduced, Lt.Nick, was the CHENG on Nimitz in 1982. My first ship

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

The chiefs are the ones who really do run things. In my division, ours was a Senior Chief with 38 years of service, everyone of them at sea. Yeah, an old salt. Our Division Officer, or DivO, would give an order, then look to the chief for approval. A two year Ensign is never going to go against a Chief. Especially a Senior Chief or Master Chief.

[@operator0]

I saw an Ensign who thought he was more important than everyone else walk through a deck that was currently being waxed. He apologized to the guys waxing it as he walked through their freshly waxed deck and said he had an important meeting to go to and didn't have time to walk around. They went and complained to the Command Master Chief and the CCM went to the Captain. That Ensign was seen stripping and waxing the deck a few hour later.

[@sailor9890]

!went o boot Great Lakes 1977 Company 060 We got issued the Zumwalt Suits. Went home by bus, people kept asking me when the next bus was leaving with that Salt and Pepper Uniform and Combination Cover we wore, Made Chief MMC(SW) 1989 made first month September. I worked on California at Hunters point San Francisco. We came up 3 months on USS Acadia AD-42 Destroyer Tender. Work on USS Texas also. I was on that ship for six years came on MM2 left MMC. I kept calling the Detailer he kept saying I was Extended onboard. Found out the Command sent speed letters to extend me. Finally got off of her. Made 3 Westpacs on it. We fixed the USS Stark FFG-41 .

[@docdeth904]

USS Stark FFG-31. I remember that Acadia. Ya'll did good work. I still have a set of dungarees that one of your QMs donated to me.

[@TGSamantha091]

Was on USS California while in Hawaii. I happened to find a wallet that belong to one of her Sailors, (on road by small base store across from Pier B-22) so I ended up dropping it off on Quarterdeck =)~

[@KevinOrtega1980]

That was a great video. Navy Chief, Navy Pride!!!

[@red5llaw]

My Dad was CPO Boleslav (ZIP) Zbizek. He sailed on CL46 USS PHOENIX serving in the USN from 1938 - 47 My Dad was on the Phoenix on Dec 7 1941 as Chief Carpenters Mate , When The IJN attacked Pearl Harbor. Passing away 1966.

[@mokooh3280]

Navy Seabee: served in nam 67/68 with 3rd marines, mag16. liberty bridge Danang, Marble mountain, An Hoa/ Hell of a ride. I love all my brothers and sisters that served. Most of my military brothers are dead / agent orange or old age, or shot. Houya

[@thomasjohnson7735]

The finest Bees The USN SEAbees of Vietnam. Quiet heros.

[@jimwhittemore5331]

Fantastic video! This is how Chiefs are supposed to lead.

[@devildoc225]

Problem now is, the Navy went corporate, and the command EEO officer has more juice than the skippers do. Everything now, is a video about somebody being "triggered" about something, and someone blowing snot bubbles about everything you can think of. The mess, from the MCPON on down, is just a corporate side show. Today, your career ends if you "come on too strong", meaning... Doing a job correctly. Sad really.

[@paradoxdea]

USN 1977 to 1983. I remember watching this training video. Good one!

[@leecoffman2594]

Thank you for the excellent video, it sure brought back memories of my time aboard my ship the USS Helena CA 75 heavy cruiser during the Korean War,

[@USNMMCret]

Ahh the good old days. How times have changed. Hand salute to all who served but especially my brothers and sisters in The Mess.

[@ricdintino9502]

Truly the Golden Age of Sideburns.

[@johntorrence30]

Retired Master Chief Machinist’s Mate 1972-1993

[@russelder9743]

I was an OS3 on USS Dewey 75-79 and loved it

[@jeffreymcdonald8267]

Men at their best. Exceptional fighting vessel for its time.

[@planelover2000]

My dad was XO of this ship in the 80s!

[@tedsmyers6382]

Navy Tradition: Chief Petty Officer, MSC (SW/SS) USN (Retired) Vietnam War/Gulf War Golden Shellback 12 West Pac’s, 2 Forward Deployed 7th Fleet (3) Aircraft Carries (2) Fast Attack Submarines (3) VP Squardons (1) Guided Missile Cruiser (1) USNV Torpedo Test & Recovery Craft (2) Shore Assignments (1) Navy Recruiting Duty NRD San Francisco Fair Winds, & Following Seas🇺🇸

[@matthewhill2321]

The USN needs to bring back beards. This Zumwalt fellow, I like him...

[@chrismc410]

You can have one with a shaving profile/waiver. My dad had one

[@dgriffin6074]

As a former LCDR Medical Corp, I sported a beard; at that time it was a Navy tradition. Although I had minimal contact with Navy Chiefs, it was obvious to me the great respect they earned and deserved.

[@operator0]

When the Navy did away with beards, they lost a lot of personnel, including a lot of senior enlisted personnel. I suppose the reason was sound, you have a better seal against the face of your OBA or SCBA, but they had a lot of good men leave the Navy over that.

[@TGSamantha091]

@@operator0 I remember as an FC3 myself and a GM3 not shaving for Quarters on morning and our punishment was to write an essay on the importance of shaving and read it aloud a couple days later out in front of everyone at Quarters. I had it ready next morning with those very reasons cited hehe

[@TribleNerd]

It is called a No shave chit

[@tomservo5347]

I work with a couple of Navy veterans. They are salty, but damned good co-workers and people I consider friends. (Plus I give them grief over 'hot racking' being an Army veteran.) They all have interesting stories from the time they served, like the one where a brand new captain ran his frigate into a sandbar and wasn't a captain in the aftermath.

[@maribelhernandez2784]

Good bless everyone ❤️‍🔥 RESPETO pedamos

[@dogmandan79]

As a kid, I got to board the USS CA in Alameda. Sweet ship.

[@johnmoore8016]

I and the BTC go on the bad side of some of the CPO's because we wore dungarees at sea. on the last ship on which I was a hole snipe. They said we made them look bad since we wore dungarees and we had grease and oil on them. The CO said the last time he seen a CPO in dungarees was in 1950.

[@robinjosh1789]

Hooyah! Navy Chief Navy Pride. Missing port visits 😅

[@paulsuprono7225]

Those, 'the Chiefs'' arrise to the same standards today. . . as 'the Chiefs' before them ! 🇺🇸

[@robertdeancantrell3668]

I am proud to have served on USS California and the first CPO to be piped over on my retirement.

[@kevinhofer5911]

I am retired army working for the navy now. From my observation, chiefs need to remember where they came from. Not the god like figure they feel they have become once they make chief.

[@MiguelSanchez-ho4ve]

No Chief should see themselves as god like. We are not infallible. Those that see themselves that way are the ones that give the rest of us a bad name. ENCS

[@galactus751]

We DO remember where we came from. Most of us do NOT see ourselves as "god like" You, "retired army working for the navy now", do us a disservice with your comment. Maybe you should observe a little more before insulting ALL of us.

[@paulcalhoun6339]

The XO Was my CO on the Long Beach CGN9. The world’s only true Nuc cruiser.

[@SoapinTrucker]

Calhoun!!!!!! How the hell are ya?!? I was a Boatswain's Mate in 3rd Division, BM1 Broude was my boss! 👍

[@paulcalhoun6339]

Mike Tayon , Mike, we’re doing good. Retired from the civilian GS side of the Navy. Now living in Calhoun County Florida were all go to retire. I remember your boss.

[@SoapinTrucker]

@@paulcalhoun6339 Awesome 👍 congratulations!!!!! I only spent about 10 years in the Navy, went from Long Beach, to Tattnall (FL! 👍) To an LHA in SD, then started driving truck in 93. No retirement in site though :(

[@bobgrimmick7402]

My uncle was MCPO on the Long Bitch as he called, ran the reactor

[@sirwholland7]

Initiated and proud... thank you!

[@johnmoore8016]

I have heard the call sign "big mary 26 charlie "a few times in seven years I was on the(USS Royal DD-872)

[@byronharano2391]

Outstanding Video!

[@ralphmoore6858]

Really enjoyed this. STGCS Moore, R D (Aug 1996 to present)

[@WhallonJesse]

Maybe it was because I was in a F/A-18 squadron so things are very different from a surface vessel, but I never felt like the chief's had the best interests of the E-6 and bellow in mind, nor the officers. 90% of leadership was just yes-men. You would think that getting the tools and supplies for the blue shirts would have at least been worked toward, even if we didn't have everything that would be okay. At least people should be trying, but I didn't see that. Instead I was told to use illegal tools and equipment, told to steal from other squadrons the supplies we needed. Nothing but excuses from leadership but the worst part was the dishonor of it all. I saw that in order to get ahead, to get the good jobs, the good positions, you have to "tow the line" and run with the good-ol-boys, do illegal maintenance but if you get caught, straight to mast, none of them will have your back. If you do work "by the book", you will be ostracized from the command, and for some reason you start getting all the crap detail, the worst watches and crap evals.....

[@bombteacher]

My question; With that intro music and title "The Chiefs", why wasn't this developed into a TV series?!

[@119Elite]

Really enjoyed this video...YNCS(SW) DIVER 1985-2007

[@KennyDoggfart]

Cool video...STGC(SW) O'Brien (1985-2005)

[@cw7422]

09/16/82 initiated at Naval Security Group Activity Edzell Scotland. Selected for CWO2 in 87. Retired as a W4 in 95. Love every day. CWO4 (Cryptology) USN RET 73-95.

[@midorihafu]

Interesting coincidence. I was an HM2 1969-1973, a period of time that basically overlapped Zumwalt's time as CNO, thus leading to the expression "Zumwalt's navy." The navy had to change in response to general social trends, especially the high sensitivity toward racism and other forms of prejudice. It was Zumwalt's navy that relaxed standards toward hair and beards, and that introduced the new "modern" suit-and-tie enlisted uniforms in place of the traditional bell-bottoms and jumper. Luckily I got out before having to get the new uniform style (although they were readopted in the '80s).

[@maxseed4730]

My grandfather retired in June of 85.. GMCM(SW) Reeds 53 to 85

[@edwardpate6128]

Based on what I read and hear about today's Navy and looking at the poor physical condition of so many of their ships they could use some of these chiefs. Sadly I fear that today Chiefs have given way to folks who are merely E7 - E9's.

[@Rick_Sanchez_C137_]

Edward Pate If you were in, you would know what the problem is... it isn’t the senior NCOs, it is politicians trying to use the military to push their political agendas.... But you aren’t in....

[@Rick_Sanchez_C137_]

William Johnson Did Zumwalt put women in your unit? Did he give them jobs men have but tell them they don’t have to fulfill the same standards to keep the job? Did he create don’t ask don’t tell to allow gays in, and then repeal that so they can serve openly? Do you like being in the shower and having another dude elbow his boyfriend and then whisper something to him while they both stare at your schlong? Did he allow women into combat schools like “Ranger” and then send a brigade of EO and IG certified colonels to follow around the instructors and females to “ensure they get a fair shake?” Did he put transgenders in your unit? Did he put classes on what is and is not sexual harassment in the training schedule for four hours a month and make EO complaints a “guilty until you prove your innocence” standard(at least for straight, white, males-everyone else is innocent until a proven rapist as long as the victim is not a trainee in BCT/AIT)? Yes, it progressively gets worse, and if you served 30 you probably saw some effed up changes.... but the curve on how effed up, has been turning and growing exponentially..... I joined in 87.... had a break in service.... yes, still in, still able to speak freely about it here because I’m not dumb enough to use my real photo or name.... I retire soon..... NOT SOON ENOUGH!

[@user-ub7of2yd1k]

@@Rick_Sanchez_C137_ how’s retirement?

[@Mutlap]

who noticed the Lt opened the door for the Chief? Tradition is highest rank goes first

[@charlesburke2379]

Exactly. Unless otherwise ordered. And when the L.T. opened the hatch and held it for the Chief, that was otherwise.

[@Firebrand55]

Experience.....backbone.....responsibility....The Knowledge.....all that applies to Chiefs in the UK's RAF; or did....Chiefs knew stuff officers didn't; until the Chiefs told them! Incidentally, The Knowledge, or what you learn that they don't teach you, can't be taught or told.....there is no prescription.......it comes only with time-in-profession.

[@melissabowers6268]

CHIEFS - lead the Navy. Officers wish to get things done, they tell the Chiefs and the chiefs make it happen. Middle management at sea. A rare breed. True blue, most loyal, and hard nosed. You don't make chief without waking up every morning and deciding to kick some ass. And this is from the granddaugher, daughter and sister of three generations of Naval officers in one family. That is how much they all and we all respect E7-E9. Hoo yah Navy!

[@kerentolbert5448]

I was on the South Carolina CGN -37 from June 1976 to November 1980. FTM after battery .

[@MattNemmers]

Would've loved to have some of those dudes sign my Chargebook.... PSC(SW/AW) Nemmers, 1994-present

[@seanbrinston3236]

Senior and Master Chiefs are senior management not middle management. An E-7 would be a VP, an E-8/E-9 Senior VP. A CDR would be a Managing Director. An O-6 would be the Administrative Officer or it's equal. A Lower Admiral 1 or 2 Star would hold a President billet (Chief Compliance Officer), and a Upper Admiral 3 or 4 Star would be a COO, CFO, or CEO.

[@englundus]

It used to be that NOTHING in the navy got done without the chief's saying so. And it used to be that the chiefs ran the navy just like the sergeants ran the army. I'm not sure it is like that anymore.

[@thorerik678]

This was my Navy, the one I remember most. I retired as a ETC(SW) in 1993 and was one of those guys who picked up CPO fast, about 9 years. I like what the Chief said, you had to get a lot smarter overnight. We went through a lot of transitions during that time. We got that goofy bus driver uniform we had no lockers for and beards. When I look at my cruise book and look over all the different divisions aboard the ship the one thing that stood out to me was that we all looked like a pack of cut-throat pirates. I thought it cool at the time but not now as I review. I have mixed feelings about the goat locker. Many of the ships I were on the Chief's were more individuals than a fraternity of like minded men. In the ships I served we didn't have any female CPO's.

[@bernieburawski1446]

The Navy really started to change after you retired. I remember Tailhook happened shortly before you retired and that scandal changed the Navy forever. I think political correctness started about this time and don't get me started on "TQL" which the Navy no longer supports as a leadership curriculum.

[@mikeblitzen]

it changed the marine corps as well... i think the whole military actually...@@bernieburawski1446

[@ronalddavis]

you made chief in 9 and retired at 20 still a chief?

[@edwardhuster8466]

I was a 1st class petty officer. IC 1 was in charge interior communication electrician. All audio communication.

[@geoben1810]

Would've, should've, could've...... U.S. NAVY veteran PO3 '73>'77. Should've done 20. Would've made Chief. Could've had a pension. 🤔

[@edwardpate6128]

Same here, I was in 80-86 and got out as a newly frocked ET1(SW) Looking back wish I would have stayed in I would have been Chief easily by the end of the 80's and been living on a pretty good retirement if I had stayed 30+ Oh well hindsight always 20/20!

[@user-xc9cl3cu8d]

I know what its like & i knw how it feels, im a retired navy man myself, im not a stranger to constant deployments & constant family separations.

[@kenwesterhausen1973]

Thank you to all who have served. I tried to join the navy but got a medical discharge but when I was in I was told it's not O because that's a letter and it's 0 because that's a number. The narrator needs to learn.

[@csuhpat2]

Lt.Nick was my CO on the Truxtun