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TACAMO celebrates 119 years of the Chief Petty Officer

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  • By Strategic Communications Wing ONE
  • Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Chief Petty Officers assigned to the Take Charge and Move Out community recently came together to reflect on 119 years of CPO history and to also kick off the 'Year of the Chief' during morning colors.

This year the United States Navy Memorial will be spotlighting the "Year of the Chief" from April 1, 2012, through March 30, 2013. This is to honor all CPO's who have served past and present.

"We're not just celebrating another year of chief's serving the Navy; we're celebrating everything it means to be the chief," said Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Rick West in a message to the fleet. "Our anchors are the symbol of a culture and a way of life. Since 1893, chiefs have been charged with the responsibility of ensuring our Sailors are the best in the world, ready to carry out our Navy's mission when our nation calls."

TACAMO CPO's will have various events throughout the year to honor the 'Year of the Chief'.

"I am looking forward to the 'Year of the Chief' and the events that will take place this year, but I ask that we start by looking backwards," said Strategic Communications Wing ONE Command Master Chief Jerry Helton during the ceremony. "Former Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Robert Walker said, 'Honesty must be a day-to-day example of genuine concern for people, a professional approach to the mission, and the ability to lead and accomplish set goals. Never be afraid to admit mistakes or try new ideas, and by all means, let your subordinates have the opportunity to recommend and become part of the solution.' This is good advice for us today as well."

The guest speaker for the event was Capt. Charles Baker, commander of Strategic Communications Wing One and Task Force 124.

"It's a real honor to be able to stand out here with you today," said Captain Baker. "The reason our Navy is the greatest Navy in the history of the world is because of those 119 years of what the Chief's Mess brings to this organization. If we are going to keep these young Sailors, their goal needs to be I want to be like that chief, and that's how we are going to maintain where we stand with all the challenges our Navy faces."

For the first time, the USNMF will shine a nationwide spotlight on the history and contributions of our Navy's Chief Petty Officer Mess, the group of leaders with a direct impact on every Navy and Coast Guard community. The USNMF has established a YOTC tab on their webpage (www.navymemorial.org) that houses all YOTC information. Along with the yearlong CPO exhibit at the Navy Memorial, the worldwide CPO Mess is planning events that will include partnering with our allied Navy CPOs spanning 17 cities, in seven different countries.