Fleet chief

U.S. Fleet Forces Fleet Master Chief Charles “Chuck” Clarke, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, talks with Sailors during a TACAMO (Take Charge And Move Out) all-hands call last week. He discussed the current status of the Navy and fielded questions about Sailors’ concerns. TACAMO is responsible to Commander Naval Air Forces for manning, training and equipping the Navy squadrons responsible for nuclear command and control communications to the nation’s nuclear triad mission. (Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Steven Raymer)

Navy fleet chief: Enlisted ranks not facing major cuts

Published June 6, 2014
By John Parker
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The U.S. Fleet Forces' highest-ranking master chief recently delivered some good job security news to Strategic Communications Wing One personnel at Tinker Air Force Base.

Fleet Master Chief Petty Officer Charles "Chuck" Clarke spoke to more than 500 TACAMO (Take Charge and Move Out) members at an all hands call in a Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron FOUR hangar.

While other military branches are facing significant cuts to personnel due to ongoing budget cuts, the Navy's enlisted ranks are at a good level for the near future, Master Chief Clarke said.

"We're right-sized, believe it or not," he said. "Even with the LCS (littoral combat ships) coming online and everything else, we don't plan on growing or shrinking any farther than we already are."

The Navy currently has about 323,000 active duty members, of which about 266,000 are enlisted. The force includes 288 ships and submarines and over 3,700 aircraft. Littoral combat ships are among the newest Navy ships and designed to fight engagements in shallower waters near land.

During the all hands call, TACAMO members were initially asked to sit in bleachers for a speech, but the Master Chief Clarke asked everyone to down to the hangar floor next to him. He explained that U.S. Fleet Force Command is the Navy's command and control authority, and part of his job is to report how the fleet is doing.

"That's not information that I like finding out third hand or fourth hand," Master Chief Clarke said. "I like finding out directly from you."

Enlisted personnel quizzed Master Chief Clarke on a range of career issues ranging from potential changes in retirement compensation to information technology decisions.
Master Chief Clarke told the Tinker Take Off that he's impressed with the cohesion of the TACAMO wing.

"One thing that stands out is community loyalty," he said. "I can tell you the one fact that keeps jumping out is that you're hard-pressed to find a Sailor who doesn't want to be here.

"And I believe that doesn't just happen -- you can't buy that," he continued. "That's something that's inherent in the leadership and what they're doing to project that on a daily basis. The command climate in this location is awesome."