There are multiple opportunities for enlisted Sailors to commission as an officer in the United States Navy.  On Feb. 7, 2020, Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class David Currier, the leading petty officer of the Weapons Department aboard USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), was selected for a commission under the Navy’s Limited Duty Officer (LDO) commissioning program.

“It was just like any other day when I got a message that said, ‘Congratulations, you’re going to be awesome!,’” Currier said.  “I checked my phone and saw that I had been selected.  It was absolutely surreal.”

Currier applied for LDO three times.  “It was an opportunity,” Currier said. “I’d rather someone tell me I’m not good enough than not apply and always wonder if I was.”

When an enlisted Sailor like Currier climbs the ranks and earns a commission, they are referred to as “Mustangs,” once pinned said Lt. James H. Knight, Kearsarge’s administration officer and former chief petty officer who commissioned through the LDO program.  

“Becoming a Mustang means that you’ve experienced both sides; that you’re the best your community has to offer and that you’ve managed to stand out amongst your peers.”

Sailors from the ranks of E7 through E9, as well as any E6 who has passed the E7 exam has the opportunity to apply for the LDO commissioning program.  Applicants must also have at least eight, but no more than 16 years of service.  Limited duty officers are selected for commission based on skill and expertise and are not required to hold a bachelor’s degree because they bring specific technical knowledge as well as seasoned leadership gained through their years of experience.

Knight says being selected for the LDO program as a first class petty officer is nothing short of exceptional, as they are competing against chief petty officers for the same commissioning quota.

“Becoming an LDO as a first class petty officer is a different experience than it is for the chief,” said Knight. “You don’t really have the full exposure to what’s expected of a chief, what the chief brings to the table and how the chief can assist you in leading as an officer.”

Knight said that he doesn’t think Currier will have any more or less trouble with his transition to LDO as a first class. “It’s all about humility and working with your chief,” said Knight. “It’s about asking your chiefs to mentor you and give you the knowledge that will help you execute as an officer. Even as a former chief myself, there were things that I didn’t understand coming up that I had to stay humble and ask for help with.”

Currier has had mentors throughout his career who have helped him get to where he is today but he is harnessing existing relationships in new ways to help prepare him for the wardroom.

“My chain of command is providing me with all kinds of training and support,” Currier said. “I don’t just have a single mentor, it feels like every officer on board has reached out to me and offered advice and guidance.”

Currier said it will be difficult changing his mindset and switching to a new style of leadership once commissioned.  Knight agreed and confirmed from his own experience that the initial transitory period is challenging.

“The first 18 months are difficult because you’re making such a large transition,” Knight said. “You have to take that time to really get your feet under you and establish your leadership as an officer.” 

To quickly flatten the learning curve Knight offered, “You absolutely have to start engrossing yourself in that mentorship, and keep an appetite and an open mind for learning.”

As Currier adjusts to his rapidly changing lifestyle, he said the most important thing to him is the positive impact his selection can have on other people.

“People on board see me and can say, ‘I can be an E6 and make it,” Currier said. “It makes it real and achievable for people that know you.”

Currier will commission in September 2021.

For more news from USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), visit www.navy.mil/.