R 181351Z MAY 12

ALCOAST 250/12
COMDTNOTE 1000
SUBJ: 92ND ANNIVERSARY OF COAST GUARD CHIEF PETTY OFFICERS
1. Today marks 92 years since the Chief Petty Officer designation was
introduced into the Coast Guard.  On May 18, 1920, the 66th Congress
authorized our Service to designate senior enlisted members with the
appropriate technical knowledge, interpersonal skills, organizational
ability, and leadership qualities as Chief Petty Officers.  This
higher enlisted authority was established only five years after the
Revenue Cutter Service and Lifesaving Service merged together to form
the Coast Guard, helping our growing Service meet the demands it
faced.
2. As you know, we are navigating in uncertain and stormy seas, so
the role of a Chief Petty Officer could not be more critical to
Service success than it is today.  Chiefs lead from the deck plate
level and exercise the leadership and initiative that allows us to
safely and effectively meet our missions.  Chiefs ensure that the
crews are properly trained and they are instrumental in carrying out
orders and directions.  Chiefs also ensure that their crews are
properly equipped in order to take on threats.  Additionally, Chiefs
serve a critical role in mentoring and teaching junior officers and
petty officers, inspiring and instilling Core Values in junior people
to place them on course to success.  By taking a keen interest in
their Shipmates well being and professional development, Chiefs have
the widest influence on the future of our Service.
3. Chief Petty Officers are a valued symbol of authority, stability
and security that is essential to the function of our Service.
Chiefs assert themselves and lead from the front, they take care of
their people and they set a positive tone for others to follow.  That
is the heritage and tradition of the Chief Petty Officer legacy that
we are so proud to be a part of.
Semper Paratus and Bravo Zulu.
4. ADM Bob Papp, Commandant, and MCPOCG Michael P. Leavitt, Master
Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, sends.
5. Internet release authorized.