Ask the Chief: Backbone of the Navy

by J.F. Leahy

Whenever sailors are confronted with 'unsolvable' problems--be it a fouled anchor or paint that won't dry--they often throw up their hands and exclaim, 'We'd better ask the Chief.' That refrain, heard for generations throughout the Navy, is the theme for Jack Leahy's newest book. Written at sea, his book provides a compelling picture of the Chief Petty Officer's community in the U.S. Navy. As a guest of the Chief Petty Officer's mess aboard USS George Washington during Operation Enduring Freedom, Leahy was granted complete and unfettered access to all areas of the massive carrier and the other ships in her battle group. He interviewed nearly one hundred Navy Chiefs from the aviation, surface, submarine, and special warfare communities and recounts their stories of daily life at sea. In doing so, he presents the true backbone of the modern Navy: the wisdom, character, and dignity of the Chief Petty Officer's community. This book of contemporaneous oral history follows the format that proved so successful with Leahy's earlier book on Navy boot camp. Twenty nine photographs help bring the story to life.

Genres: Leadership, History

240 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2004

About the author

After retiring as a director of international operations for a major telecommunications company in 2000, Jack Leahy joined the Naval Institute Press at Annapolis to write a series of non-fictional books about the modern U.S. Navy. A Navy veteran, he had previously served with USN Mobile Construction Battalion One at Phu Bai and Danang Vietnam in 1969-70. After completing his graduate education as a civilian, he spent nearly thirty years in the intelligence community and telecommunications industry. Upon retiring in 2000, he returned to professional communications at the Naval Institute, and also became an adjunct professor of Humanities, retiring as Vice President for Strategic Planning and Extension Services of the Pontifical College Josephinum, a Roman Catholic seminary in Columbus, Ohio, where he resides with his wife, Margaret. They have three sons, and three grandsons, and enjoy rail travel throughout North America.

About The Naval Writers Group

Established by a cadre of writers who first met through the Naval Institute at the Naval Academy, Annapolis in 2002, the Naval Writers Group is a specialized publishing imprint which provides a voice to “the sailor on the deck plates.” No distinction is ever made based upon the author’s rating or rank – be it seaman or admiral – for we strongly believe that each story deserves to be evaluated on its merit alone. You may learn more about the Naval Writers Group at www.navalwritersgroup.us .

Reviews

[Ronald Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any man or woman who may be asked what they have done worthwhile in their life can with the utmost pride state, "I served as a Chief Petty Officer in the United States Navy."

I retired as a Independent Duty Corpsman & Senior Chief Petty Officer from the United States Navy and as far as I am concerned this elite organization gave me the tools to remain a star performer (no pun intended) for life.

As the challenge coin in my pocket reminds me, and illustrates to challengers "no man is more professional than I. I am a chief petty officer, a leader of men. As a chief petty officer I realize that I am a member of an elite group which is known as the backbone of the Navy. I will not forget nor will I allow my comrades to forget that we are professional chief petty officers and leaders of people."

This book is a "must have" for everyone who has been initiated to or aspires to be a Chief, Senior, or Master Chief Petty Officer of the United States Navy. The interviews are dynamic with CPO's delivering informative interviews about past, present, and future culture in the greatest maritime force on the planet.

The CPO Mess is truly "a fraternity that is different in substance and appearance in comparison to all other services." I would have to agree as pointed out in this great hardcover book that leadership, development, communication and support are the four critical elements to CPO group dynamics and cohesion.

The role of a CPO doesn't end at retirement. It is much needed, and must be continued, and tailored to life in the civilian community and workforce labor unions.

[Rob Roy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book gives excellent insight to what a Navy Chief Petty Officer is and does. Having been initiated a CPO in September 1983 I read this with interest. Is it the whole truth? Absolutely not. There is much more than can be put between covers. For those making a career of the sea service, I recommend this volume, whether officer or enlisted. For those who are CPOs, you may pick up a trick or two, and you will have several chuckles along the way. Underneath it all, this is a book about leadership and what leadership means.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full of great advice and insight for new CPOs.