Center for Information Warfare Training (CIWT) Det. Goodfellow's Chiefs Mess dedicated their Goat Locker in remembrance of a fallen chief during a 125th Chief Petty Officer's birthday commemoration ceremony held on board Goodfellow Air Force Base, March 30.

With this dedication, the official name of the Goat Locker is now the Kurt Kelpe Chiefs Mess. Additionally, a Navy pocket watch he donated to the CIWT Det. Goodfellow Chiefs Mess is now enshrined in a shadow box and displayed there.

Chief Petty Officer Kurt Kelpe passed away, Feb. 14. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II and served aboard light aircraft carrier USS Cowpens (CVL 25) in Tokyo Bay while the Japanese Instrument of Surrender was being signed aboard battleship USS Missouri (BB 63). He went on to serve in the Korean War and in the Pacific theater during the Vietnam War.

After retirement from the Navy, Kelpe managed several jewelry stores in Oklahoma, Florida, and Texas. He eventually settled in San Angelo and became actively involved in chief functions and command ceremonies.

Master Chief Cryptologic Technician (Collection) Joseph D. Reynolds, the detachment's senior enlisted leader, said, "It is an honor for this mess to have known Chief Kelpe; he dedicated years providing sage guidance to officers and enlisted alike, and Kurt never stopped being 'the chief.' His impacts here on the deckplates had an immeasurable impact on Sailors in San Angelo, and we are honored to dedicate the mess to his memory."

"I think it's fitting to have a CPO mess named after Chief Kelpe," said Chief Cryptologic Technician (Collection) Meagen Croft. "It is inspiring to know that all future chief petty officers who enter the hallowed halls of the Chiefs Mess will know the legacy of Chief Kelpe.

The Center for Information Warfare Training (CIWT) delivers trained information warfare professionals to the Navy and joint services, enabling optimal performance of information warfare across the full spectrum of military operations.

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