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http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=68768

Story Number: NNS120802-06Release Date: 8/2/2012 5:08:00 AM A A A
By By Lt. Cmdr. James Stockman

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- Forty-four USS George Washington (CVN 73) first class petty officers were selected to join the chief petty officer (CPO) ranks when the Navy announced the results of the Fiscal Year 2013 Active Duty CPO Selection Board July 30.

"Advancement into the Chief Petty Officer Mess is a true career milestone achievement that is uniquely part of our Naval Heritage and is the most significant promotion, without equal, among the enlisted ranks of all of our sister services," said Capt. David A. Lausman, USS George Washington commanding officer.

"It signifies that the years of dedicated service, hard work, and adherence to our Navy core values have been duly recognized as the cornerstone for the bright future of our Navy.

"These hard working, forward-deployed selectees, along with their families, should be extremely proud of this milestone. George Washington will shortly be a much better warship when these selectees join the CPO Mess," added Lausman. "If I could only give one piece of advice to every Sailor on what to do in order to ensure a successful career, it would be, 'if you have a question or uncertainty, go ask the Chief.'"

The rate of CPO was established on April 1, 1893, and they serve a dual role as both technical experts and as leaders.

"Being a [CPO] means being responsible to your Sailors, to your command, and to the officers you work for," said George Washington Command Master Chief Shaun Brahmsteadt. "Becoming a [CPO] changes how junior Sailors and officers look at you; you are expected to have certain skill sets and background knowledge on all Navy policies, procedures and programs."

George Washington's CPO mess has been preparing its FCPO for their selection and their grooming to become future CPOs through the CPO 365 program. This Navy-wide program, initiated by Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Rick D. West in 2010, is a three-phase, year-round training cycle that tests the prospective CPO or selectee mentally, physically, personally and professionally.

"CPO 365 has been an invaluable tool in training and mentoring our [FCPO]," said Brahmsteadt. "Phase I is what we call 'basic training', where we build a foundation for the yearlong cycle. Phase II steps up the process and prepares board-eligible Sailors for their transition. Phase III is where we pull aside the selectees and teach them how to be an active and productive member of the chiefs mess."

George Washington Sailors selected for advancement to CPO include: Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Tim Bickerton, Machinist's Mate 1st Class Don Bishop, Aviation Boatswain's Mate Equipment 1st Class Gernard Boyle, Machinist's Mate 1st Class Gilburt Cabales, Electrician's Mate 1st Class Jerry Cordona, Culinary Specialist 1st Class Jeff Carroll, Aviation Boatswain's Mate Equipment 1st Class Derrick Clay, Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 1st Class Vincent Cooper, Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Courtney Craig, Aviation Boatswain's Mate Handling 1st Class Osvaldo Delacruzmariano, Electrician's Mate 1st Class Desirea Doyle, Logistics Specialist 1st Class Celestino Dulnuan, Aviation Boatswain's Mate Handling 1st Class James Frost, Machinist's Mate 1st Class Markroland Garcia, Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 1st Class Charles Henwood, Logistics Specialist 1st Class Dametries Holmes, Logistics Specialist 1st Class Kevin Howard, Logistics Specialist 1st Class Salvador Hugo, Interior Communications Electrician 1st Class Enrickie Jackson, Machinist's Mate 1st Class Shelmwood Johnson, Machinist's Mate 1st Class Calvin Jones, Aviation Boatswain's Mate Handling 1st Class Shawn Leigh, Aviation Boatswain's Mate Fuel 1st Class Nelson Lubin, Ship's Serviceman 1st Class Eduardo Mayo, Aviation Boatswain's Mate Handling 1st Class Muhammed Morad, Machinist's Mate 1st Class Joshua Nicks, Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Jordon Orr, Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class Vincent Papallo, Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Joseph Paul, Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Richard Robertson, Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class Eric Setterfield, Electrician's Mate 1st Class Brent Spicer, Aviation Boatswain's Mate Handling 1st Class Gregory Stacey, Aviation Boatswain's Mate Handling 1st Class William Sum, Personnel Specialist 1st Class Charles Tindle, Culinary Specialist 1st Class Jeric Toledo, Aviation Boatswain's Mate Fuel 1st Class Ranilo Untivero, Aviation Boatswain's Mate Equipment 1st Class Sean Valis, Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class Joe Villa, Culinary Specialist 1st Class Resty Villacorta, Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class Thomas Walker, Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Albert Williams, Machinist's Mate 1st Class Anthony Wilson, and Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Brandon Woodard.

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier returned to its forward-operating location of Fleet Activities Yokosuka on July 26 for its mid-patrol break, where the crew is preparing for its upcoming Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) and change-of-command ceremony.
George Washington provides a forward-deployed, combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests and security of the U.S. and its partners and allies in the Asia-Pacific region.