USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) gained three new Master Chief Petty Officers when the Selection Board released their results, April 29.

As the news reached many Sailors aboard, George H.W. Bush Command Master Chief David Carter offered his praise and congratulations.

"I am very proud of our Shipmates," said Carter. "They've put a lot of hard work and dedication into their careers to get this far, and I am looking forward to working with them in this new capacity."

Senior enlisted leaders selected are responsible for upholding and continuing the traditions of Master Chief Petty Officers, along with Navy ethos, Navy core values, and the MCPON's mission, vision, and guiding principles.

"I am extremely happy when any of my Shipmates get advanced, not matter what the paygrade," said Carter. "However, promoting to master chief is something extra special. It is the pinnacle of the enlisted ranks of which only 1% of the Navy can attain. Becoming a Master Chief means you have achieved the highest recognition within your community and are now charged with the training and mentoring of all that you come in contact with, no matter the rank."

Master Chief (SEL) Intelligence Specialist Eric Twining, Leading Chief Petty Officer (LCPO) for operations department's OZ division, talked about what it means to him to be selected to the enlisted community's highest rank.

"I'm very humbled and appreciative to have been selected this year," said Twining. "Every Sailor that's stood next to me has a piece of this selection."
Master Chief (SEL) Machinist's Mate Douglas Troendle, the LCPO for reactor department's mechanical division, also expressed hi gratitude for being selected to master chief.

"When I first heard the news, I was in shock," said Troendle. "Now that it's sunk in, I realize that it isn't just my achievement. It's the achievement of the Sailors around me whom I work with every day. It's through their own successes that I was able to grow and earn this privilege.

Knowing the difficulty of being selected, Twining reiterated how grateful he is for the privilege of being recognized for his leadership qualities and offered advice to others hoping to make chief someday.

"Those hoping to make Chief need to live by the idea that leaders put others first," said Twining. "While it's important to make sure your goals are met, the ideal of 'them, then me' must be the driving force behind your actions. Do your best, take the hard jobs and develop those around you."


For more news from USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), visit www.navy.mil/.