WELCOME TO THE NATIONAL CHIEF PETTY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
NATIONAL CHIEF PETTY OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
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FOUNDED in 1988 to provide a platform for airing issues which affect active duty, retired, and/or veteran chiefs.
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OBJECTIVE shall be to honor and publicize as a group (or in some cases individual) those who have served or are serving as Chief Petty Officers in the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard or the Reserve Components of those services and who performed such services in an honorable manner.
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SPECIFIC PURPOSE
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is to generate world wide awareness of the importance of Regular and Reserve Chief Petty Officers in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard, of the past, present and future.
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to encourage accelerated advancement in those services through study and accomplishment.
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to conduct conventions with such members of the NCPOA to foster camaraderie and good fellowship.
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to maintain true allegiance to the Government of the United States of America and to promote patriotism and pride in their service in the U.S. Navy or U.S. Coast Guard.
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CHIEF UNIFORM 1942
The photo below is some of the chief aboard the USS PENNSYLVANIA ABOUT 1942
Seven Veteran chief petty Officers of the U.S.S. Pennsylvania of the United States Pacific Fleet prove the ancient adage: "men make the Navy"
The earliest known use of the term “chief petty officer” dates back to 1776 onboard Continental Navy Ship Alfred, when the title “chief cook” was conferred upon cook’s mate Jacob Wasbie. This was an informal designation that noted Wasbie as the foremost ship’s cook, but was not officially recognized nor consistently used throughout the Navy.
The chief petty officer, as recognized today, was officially established 1 April 1893, when the rank “petty officer first class” was shifted to “chief petty officer.” This originally encompassed nine ratings (occupational specialties): chief master-at-arms, chief boatswain’s mate, chief quartermaster, chief gunner’s mate, chief machinist, chief carpenter’s mate, chief yeoman, apothecary, and band master. Chief petty officer could be either an acting (temporary) appointment, designated as AA, or a permanent appointment, designated as PA. The Career Compensation Act of 1949 created an E-7 grade that standardized pay for all chief petty officers, regardless of acting or permanent status. Acting status for chief petty officers was not eliminated until 1965. A 1958 amendment to the Career Compensation Act added two new pay grades, senior chief (E-8) and master chief (E-9), and created six new rating titles.
Today, there are three chief petty officer ranks: chief petty officer, senior chief petty officer, and master chief petty officer. Chiefs are recognized for exemplary technical expertise within their rating, superior administrative skills, and strong leadership ability. Most importantly, chiefs bridge the gap between officers and enlisted personnel, acting as supervisors as well as advocates for their Sailors.
Master Chief Petty Officers of the Navy
Though in the works for many years, the position was formally established as Senior Enlisted Advisor of the Navy in January 1967. The title was officially changed to Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) three months later.
The individual rating specialty marks for the MCPON was replaced by an inverted star in 1971.
These individuals have served as Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy: CLICK HERE
The Chief Petty Officer's Pledge
I am a Chief Petty Officer in the United States Navy…
I serve my country and her people with pride and honor.
I seek no special favors.
I make things happen, and do the best I can do.
I am charged with a leadership role like no other in the world.
I develop junior officers and mold my Sailors.
I acknowledge full responsibility for the actions of my Sailors…
because these Sailors are the seeds of future chief petty officers.
I live by the Navy's core values of honor, courage, and commitment.
I set the example.
I establish the standards of performance.
My Sailors are students and I am their teacher.
I guide and influence the lives of these young men and women.
In the final analysis, I will determine the quality of these Sailors.
They look up to me because I treat them with dignity and respect.
Because they need a leader, I am there for them.
After all...
I am a Chief Petty Officer in the United States Navy.