Second class petty officers aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) received an invitation into the chiefs mess, from the ship's seven master chiefs, to receive career guidance and ask questions in an open forum, Nov. 6.

The Navy offers readily available career roadmaps that make Sailors more competitive when considered for advancement, but having senior mentorship and career advice from leaders who have been in their shoes permit a more personal aspect to that development.

"There's 181 years of experience between the seven master chiefs on board," said America's Command Master Chief Ken Robertson. "We've been around a while. We've seen a lot, done a lot, experienced a lot. [Coffee with the old salts] is an awesome opportunity for us to share our experiences and combined wisdom with the second classes aboard who are the Navy's future leaders."

Robertson explained that this session is important for petty officer second classes in particular because they are at a pivotal point in their careers where the steps they take today will affect their advancement as the future leaders.

"Second classes are the workhorses of the Navy," said Robertson. "They're right there between the leading petty officer and the working parties. They're the working supervisors who are the up-and-coming leaders of the Navy."

Prior to kicking off the session, the petty officers were divided into small groups and paired up with a master chief ready to share his successes and answer any questions posed.

"There was a lot of knowledge in the room and the open environment allowed me the opportunity to ask questions comfortably," said Intelligence Specialist 2nd Class (IW/SW/AW) Tameeka Burks, assigned to the operations department aboard America. "I left with a lot more insight into what I need to be doing to catapult my career in the right direction."

During the session, Sailors were encouraged to move around and engage with different master chiefs and pick their brains on what worked for them as they advanced through the ranks.

"E-5, being a critical part of a Sailor's career, is the point where you start to look long term," said Master Chief Electronics Technician (SW) Aaron Hatton, assigned to the engineering department aboard America. "This event allows us to give our second classes more of a long-range outlook on how to prepare for the future."

America is part of the America Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and, with embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), is in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners, and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region.

The ARG and 15th MEU provide senior U.S. military leadership and partners with a flexible force which can rapidly respond to contingencies and crises within a region. With ships, aircraft, troops, and logistical equipment, the ARG/MEU is a self-contained and self-sustained task force capable of conducting a wide range of military operations including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

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For more news from USS America (LHA 6), visit http://www.navy.mil/.