On chief petty officer leadership

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Posted by: CDR Glynn Smith

Adm. Papp at CPOA

Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Bob Papp addresses Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Association Convention attendees on the chief petty officer's role in organizational leadership in New Orleans Aug. 16, 2010. (Coast Guard photo by PO2 Bill Colclough)

Yesterday, Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Bob Papp had the opportunity to address the Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association (CPOA). The CPOA gathers annually to discuss issues affecting the Service and to share leadership experiences. Adm. Papp took the opportunity to offer his thoughts on the role of a chief petty officer in today’s Coast Guard.

“We have wonderful men and women, who are performing heroic deeds on a near daily basis, but they need your leadership, chief petty officer hands-on leadership, to ensure they perform their challenging maritime missions safely, professionally and effectively,” said Papp.

Admiral Papp fully supports the chief petty officer’s role in taking a keen interest in their shipmate’s well being and professional development. Senior leadership look to chiefs to be engaged in the issues of the day and mentor both junior enlisted and officers. He suggested that chiefs should be proactive and approachable for the shipmates they lead.

“So my charge to you today is to assert yourselves, grab the reigns and lead,” Papp said. “You are unique in that you have the ability to influence the largest number of crew members in our Service.”

As an example, Admiral Papp recalled the story of a young ensign who was called into the Chief’s Mess. The assembled chiefs told him that that he could do better and they wanted him to be successful. The chiefs also wanted the junior officer to be comfortable enough to come to the Chief’s Mess and ask for guidance. They knew that if Ensign Papp was successful, their ship would be successful and the Service would be successful.

Adm. Papp talks to chiefs

Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Bob Papp meets with the chief's mess during a visit to the Deepwater Horizon Unified Area Command in New Orleans, LA, June 22, 2010.

“That’s foundational chief petty officer leadership; reaching out to junior officers and petty officers when they are headed in the wrong direction,” said Papp, adding, “Your deck plate and hangar deck leadership is vitally important, because you forge your shipmates into leaders.”

Admiral Papp explained to convention attendees that the role of a chief petty officer could not be more critical to Service success than it is today. The Coast Guard has been stretched thin with people on the front lines carrying the load and those standing the watch back home pulling extra duty to cover gaps.

“Chiefs mentor and teach junior officers and petty officers, and thereby inspire and instill leadership values in junior people which place them on a course to success,” Papp said. “As we move forward, your leadership will be critical to their continued success.”

  • George R. Costich

    Many years ago, as a Navy Aviation Photographer, I flew many Helicopter Missions similar to what Coast Guard People do today. I know what it’s like to dangle on a spiderweb cable.

    A half century ago, my USNR Commanding officer, CMDR Mike Carmody ( who also trained the Astronauts) put Admiral Pap’s Statement more concisely:

    “If you can Lead – then – for – GOD’S – Sake -LEAD!

    If you can’t Lead – then FOLLOW!

    I you can’t Lead or Follow – THEN GET THE HELL OUT OF THE WAY!

  • Robert T. Delgado

    We met at the Educational Symposium in Orlando when I was an MK1. Master Chief Crocker asked you to say hello and you asked me how soon I would pin on a set of anchors. I retire as a Reserve Master Chief next year. I will stay on with the Coast Guard in my civilian position, chasing CASREPS and teaching. I have had the distinct honor of making a few Chiefs in my career. I’m being forced to coast to the finish line instead of sprinting to the end. Thanks for that hand shake and question.

  • Admiral Bob Papp

    Master Chief: Great to hear from you! Thanks for commenting and congratulations on not only earning the anchors, but for earning the stars to top them off!

    As most people know, the part I love about being able to travel around the Coast Guard is the opportunity to meet our Shipmates face to face, and to conduct “All Hands” sessions. I hope we get a chance to see each other again before you retire.

    For Mr. Costich…Thanks for your comment as well. You summed it up great, and right to the point.

    Admiral Bob Papp
    Commandant

  • Christopher Gaynor

    I met Admiral Papp on the CGC Eagle. An old shipmate of mine was Cabin Cook & we went to show my then 5 year old daughter the ship.

    My daughter is off to college this year, but she still talks about the Captain of the Eagle giving her fruit while touring the Cabin.

    A true Gentleman.

  • AETCM Tim Sheffler, USCG (Ret)

    Admiral, As the CPOA Convention Chairman, I thank you again for taking time out of your busy schedule to visit and talk at the convention. Your speech was extremely well timed, to the point, and a joy to listen to. I look forward to the next time we meet (Daytona Beach in August, 2011 at the next convention?)

    Semper P, Sir!