Senior Sailor of the Quarter Board.

UPDATE: Well, I didn’t make it. I could say it’s because of this or that, but I did everything right. No worries, because there’s always next time.

I was nominated for Senior Sailor of the Quarter for the 1st Quarter of 2009. I’m a little proud, since I’ve only been here for the same amount of time. I had never done one of these, other than some BJOQs, so I was a little nervous. Not least of the many things making me nervous was my competition. I’m almost convinced that I was put up just so the other guy technically had some competition. Here I am, with no collateral, no great community involvement, and just starting on my education. Then there’s the other guy who has been here for a while and is known. Is the schools coordinator in charge of tens of thousands of dollars in budget money, and he’s up for Chief. I know being up for Chief shouldn’t matter, but with two guys in his chain-of-command sitting on the board, I can’t help but be a little skeptical.

I found out about the board about 15 hours prior. I hustled to get my whites ironed and then start cramming what I thought they might ask. I memorized the chain-of-command (PACOM…PA-KOM…K-K-Keating) and even brushed up on current events. I thought they would definitely ask me a history question, and I knew the Battle of Midway had happened in June. I memorized dates and other key facts. I even brushed up on what I knew about the Doolittle Raid. I know we had Woman’s History Month too, so I even had a little ditty about the significance of Rear Adm. Grace Hopper. I was really prepared…or so I thought.

The board consisted of the CMC, three CPOs, one Marine Master Sgt., and a Senior Chief. As soon as I walk in, I’m at attention. Without even giving the preparatory command “A-bout,” I hear a quick and faint “aboutface” and then do the worst about face in my life. One more for them to give me the old look down and then it’s time for the creed. Thanks to USS Shiloh requiring the creed be read at every quarters, I had that in the bag. Then they told me to take a seat.

The CMC offered a bowl of candy and told me to pick one. He said if I picked the right one I automatically get it. I wasn’t sure what was up, so I passed. Next, the Senior Chief asked me what I would do if I were CO of any command. In retrospect, there were so many things I would have rather said. Instead I went with the answer of “send anyone on shore, without ESWS, back to a ship.” While it seems like a vague Joe-Navy type of answer, I was actually referring to our command. How anyone can last in the Navy for over 5 years, not get ESWS or go to a ship, and still get shore duty at a Staff command is beyond me.

The next question was from the Master Sergeant. “With th Obama administration discussing the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” how would you feel serving with openly gay people?” I’ve discussed this one before, so it should be no surprise. I told him I would be behind it 100%. It’s my opinion that anyone who volunteers to server for their country should be able to do so, despite their sexual orientation or preference. I added that many people are currently uncomfortable with the idea, but that many people also had mixed feelings about letting African-Americans serve.

The first CPO then hit me with an easy one. “What are the Fleets, and where are they located?” Easy day. 2nd Fleet – Norfolk, 3rd Fleet – San Diego, 4th Fleet – Mayport, 5th Fleet – Manama, Bahrain, 6th Fleet – Gaeta, Italy, and 7th Fleet in good ol’ Yokosuka, Japan.

The second Chief then asked me about the current piracy situation and how I thought it should be handled. I suggested convoys, similar to WWII. I also said that since the Navy was essentially created to combat the Barbary pirates (just throwin’ in some Navy history there), that anti-piracy should be one of our forefront operations. In short, if they attack a US-flagged ship; kill them.

Lastly, I was asked about my leadership style. I said that I believed my style was on of leading by example, and listening to my guys. I said I would never make anyone do things I wouldn’t do myself, and would never expect them to perform in anyway I couldn’t. I also said that while the Navy is not a democracy, it is important to listen to their ideas, and when appropriate, incorporate them to make sure everyone has a voice.

I’m still waiting on the results, but I won’t get my hopes up. If I don’t make it, there’s always next time. I’m just glad that my performance here has been recognized is such a short amount of time.