As Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Force Master Chief Paul Davenport looked around the table, the Sailors of the Quarter from submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) smiled and shifted their weight between their feet.

The anticipation of meeting someone so high in the chain of command dissipated as Davenport shook the hands of each Sailor, taking his time to get to know everyone he would be dining with that day.

The Bluejackets, Junior and Senior Sailors of the Quarter followed Davenport into the Chiefs Mess to receive lunch, a privilege to accompany the Sailors' unique opportunity.

The barrier of rank and positional authority lowered as they sat and ate their lunch, talking and laughing among themselves. Davenport made sure to converse with every person at the table and hear what they had to say.

“We care about the Sailors and appreciate their service,” said Davenport. “It’s more than meeting highly-motivated Sailors and interacting with them. I get to hear what’s on their mind, and maybe I can pass down to them some of my knowledge and experience.”

Hull Maintenance Technician Fireman Apprentice Klevor T. Norris, Hull Bluejacket of the Quarter, had the opportunity to sit with Davenport for lunch. For him, this was an opportunity to learn.

“We received guidance on leadership,” said Norris. “We talked about helping newer Sailors and being able to share what we know.”

After discussing some leadership fundamentals, Davenport addressed another issue that concerned all Navy personnel stationed in Guam, the decrease in Cost of Living Allowance.

“When it comes to understanding the outdated policies behind COLA, I think it needs to reflect what the reality is,” said Davenport. “COLA can’t continue being cut when the price of goods continues to increase. If the COLA standards were set long ago, it’s not the fault of the Sailor.”

Navy Diver 1st Class Patrick Andrew Senecal, assigned to Frank Cable’s dive locker, hopes the benefits Sailors receive in Guam’s duty station will not be stripped away more than they have.

“People come out here not just for the benefits, but to be able to serve at the tip of the spear,” said Senecal. “I hope they fix those issues; otherwise people aren’t going to want to come out here. This is where the business happens.”

Davenport made it clear that his luncheon with the Sailors wasn’t about making an appearance; rather he made a point to hear the issues people had and was vocal about making a change.

“We have to improve the quality of life and quality of service,” said Davenport. “Culture is part of it. I want the Sailors to be a part of changing the culture for the better by passing on their motivation to the junior Sailors.”

Frank Cable, forward deployed to Guam, repairs, rearms and reprovisions deployed U.S. Naval Forces in the Indo-Pacific region.

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