Growing up in the Philippines, Gaviola said they did not have much possessions, but they had one another. Although Gaviola said his mother is the person who inspires him the most, it was his uncle who introduced him to a career in the U.S. Navy.
“My uncle joined the Navy and rose up the ranks to be a Chief,” Gaviola explained. “He became a role model to me, and I made it a mission to become a Chief just like him. I wanted that responsibility, because I wanted to take care of Sailors and teach them how to be successful in both professional and personal manners.”
And he did just that.
In 2020, he earned those coveted fouled anchors while serving on USS Makin Island (LHD 8). Since then, he has been rightfully called Chief Aviation Support Equipment Technician Gaviola.
Today as the leading chief petty officer of the air operations department of Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands in Hawaii, Gaviola leads 17 Sailors and ensures their needs and requirements are met in order to maintain mission capability.
“I tell my Sailors that mission is important, but self-preservation is a must to accomplish the tasking at hand,” he explained. “If self-preservation is not instinctive, then it is our responsibility as leaders to identify Sailors who are struggling with it and provide those resources to them.”
Gaviola is spot on.
To remain combat ready, all members of the Navy team must maintain their overall health, including mental wellness. It is the role of command leaders to prevent mental health issues from occurring, and if they do, to connect Sailors with the right mental health care, at the right level, at the right time.
That is why Gaviola strives to be a “relatable leader.”
“It is a more efficient method and approach to have an open mind,” he explained. “When engaged in a conversation with Sailors, it is important that I can relate to their requirements. Being that approachable Chief means a lot to Sailors. I know it was important to me when I was a junior Sailor.”
Navy Chief! Navy Pride!
This year, the Chief’s Mess celebrates 130 years of service. For over a century, chief petty officers have passed down the heavy responsibility that comes with the anchors to those worthy of leading and developing Sailors. They continue to live up to their pledge to make things happen, establish the standards of performance, and guide and influence the lives of junior Sailors.
“The Chiefs are here to set the example and to continue the traditions of the Navy,” Gaviola said. “We will continue to do so until our time here on earth is complete. Navy Chief! Navy Pride!”
Chiefs, who are considered the backbone of the Navy, serve as trusted advisors to officers as well as trusted mentors to junior Sailors. Taking on this responsibility though may require the support of the Chief’s Mess as it is not uncommon for Chiefs to turn to their brothers and sisters for assistance.
“I love the closeness and the respect the Chief’s Mess has as a whole association and with each other,” Gaviola said. “We have the best Chief’s Mess located here in Kauai! We are small in numbers, but we get it done on a daily basis. I am very proud to be a part of this Chief’s Mess, and very grateful to work with such motivated junior Sailors.”
‘Best Family in the World’
In addition to his fellow Chiefs and junior Sailors, Gaviola attributes his continued success to Angely, who is his wife of eight years. They have three children: Kary Anne, 11; Arlo, 5; and Kyeko, 7 months.
When not hard at work on base, Gaviola said he spends every moment during his off-duty hours with his family.
“I have the best family in the world!” Gaviola said. “If you take good care of your own family, it will then translate with the same care with your Navy family.”