Misawa Chiefs and First Classes Help with Tsunami Recovery

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jerry Foltz, Naval Air Facility Misawa Public Affairs

HACHINOHE, Japan (NNS) -- Misawa Air Base Chief Petty Officers (CPOs) and board-eligible First Class Petty Officers (FCPOs) joined forces to assist in recovery and clean up efforts at a tsunami-ravaged strawberry field, April 6.

Together they cleared plastic and greenhouse support frames that were mangled and buried under layers of sediment following a 9.0-magnitude earthquake that triggered a devastating tsunami in this northeastern-Japanese city, March 11.

"Just seeing the devastation here made my heart drop," said Aviation Machinist's Mate 1st Class Brian Alexander. "I think we're all honored to have the opportunity to get out and help in whatever way we can."

The combined effort also provided the Misawa Air Base Chief Petty Officer Association (CPOA) with its inaugural "CPO 365" event.

"CPO 365" is a three-phase training process, created by Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Rick West. The goal of this initiative is to engage prospective chiefs beyond just CPO Induction, while giving them a better insight into the responsibilities and expectations of the Navy CPO.

"It helps instill our prospective chiefs with the importance of being a chief petty officer," said Naval Air Facility Misawa Command Master Chief Michael Napier. "Working side-by-side with genuine chiefs and communicating through a mutual level of respect, I think will not only benefit our board-eligible first class petty officers, but will also give our chiefs another opportunity to manufacture quality senior-enlisted leadership that will one day steer the Navy's future.

Prior to kicking off recovery efforts, Napier briefed the board-eligible first classes on the importance of working together towards a single common goal. He said this community service project should set the tone and foundation to build upon in the future.

"We are not only looking forward to working with you just today, but every day of the year," he said. "Remember that the chief is always there. Go ask the chief."

While the Sailors labored intently throughout the day to help recover and clean up the farm area, the teamwork and camaraderie was more-and-more evident with each shovelful of progress in this battered region.

Following a day of labor-intensive clean up, both CPOs and prospective chiefs felt good about the work they accomplished together.

"Today was important for both board-eligible first classes and chiefs. I believe the earlier we begin working together, the more effective our prospective chiefs will be during induction and beyond," said Chief Navy Counselor Jascha Janssen. "A day like this gives them an idea of what is expected of them and the self-sacrifice of the position."

Covered in a sheen of dirt and sweat, Aviation Machinist's Mate 1st Class Joselito Camiling echoed Janssen's statement.

"It is really good being out here working alongside our chiefs," he said "Through their leadership example, we are learning more about what it takes to wear those anchors."