Welcome to the SUBPAC Spotlight! First I would like to congratulate the new Chief Petty Officers in the COMSUBPAC AOR. I am very proud of each and every one of you.
I want to take this opportunity to discuss something near and dear to my heart - the CPO 365 program. As many of you know, CPO 365 is a year-round training initiative designed to prepare first class petty officers to become chiefs.
Not only does this program benefit the Navy and the Submarine Force, it also supports the personal and professional growth of First Class Petty Officers (FCPO) and Chief Petty Officers (CPO).
I learned about CPO 365 when I was the Chief of the Boat on the USS HOUSTON. To be honest, I thought the program would be waste of time and that we were too busy to implement it. Luckily, I had great leaders in my Chief’s quarters who convinced me to go ahead with it. I quickly witnessed its benefits, including increased engagement from the First Class’ and Chiefs. We’ve taken the program even further during my time as the COMSUBPAC CMC, and I continue to see Sailors grow into strong leaders who are willing to take the next steps in their careers.
Over the years there have been many changes in the MCPON Guidance to continuously improve the process. For example, we’ve provided every First Class with a Chief as a mentor, and we’re working to involve Junior Officers in the process. I am confident this will strengthen the bond between the Chief’s Quarters and the Wardroom for years to come. We’ve developed long and short range plans to encourage meaningful and thoughtful training, including providing The Charge book to all FCPOs prior to their selection to CPO. Over the years, The Charge Book has evolved from a simple green book, stained from liquids and food, to what we have today - an ornate vessel that the CPO Selects take pride in. We are taking it a step further by adding Chiefs’ “lessons learned” to this great tool.
The MCPO has also mandated FCPO participation in CPO 365 Phases I and II. This means the next generation of Navy CPOs will be held to a high standard of performance, including meeting the CPO standards for training and physical fitness.
I truly believe in CPO 365 and I believe it’s helping us develop smarter and better leaders than ever before. With the environment we are in today, our people must be ready for what the Commanders need us to do. Remember: The Officers Fight the ship, Chiefs Run the Ship!