Center for Service Support Welcomes New Master Chiefs

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (AW/SW) Shawn D. Graham, Center for Service Support Public Affairs

NEWPORT, R.I. (NNS) -- The Center for Service Support (CSS) frocked two senior chief petty officers (SCPOs) to the rank of master chief petty officers, May 12.

Due to CSS' unique command structure with multiple learning sites, the frockings were all conducted at multiple sites.

Senior Chief Musician Jay Loose of CSS headquarters and Senior Chief Navy Counselor Chris Leonard of Naval Technical Training Center Meridian (NTTC) added a second star to their anchors in the time-honored Navy tradition of the frocking ceremony.

"This is one of the biggest milestones in an enlisted Sailor's career," said Loose, CSS' staff leading chief petty officer (LCPO)and Musician rate training manager. "Adding the star is a huge step in responsibility and accountability. This is a big moment for me and even bigger for our families. I appreciate all the support I received from my family, chief's mess and the Sailors who supported me throughout my career."

In the Navy it is common practice to frock a newly selected petty officer. This frocking allows the frocked Sailors to assume the duties and responsibilities of the next higher rank without receiving the pay for a period of time.

According to Loose, support from his family and Sailors were the key to his selections to chief, senior chief and master chief.

"Without the support of my family, this wouldn't be possible," said Loose, who has been in the Navy for 17 years, with the last three years assigned to CSS. "I definitely wouldn't be here without the guidance of the many outstanding chiefs, senior chiefs and master chiefs who guided me throughout my career. They helped me be a better Sailor. I wish they were all here to share this accomplishment. I'm humbled and honored by this advancement."

Master Chief Petty Officer is the ninth, and highest, enlisted rate in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard, just above senior chief petty officer. Master chiefs constitute the top 1.25 percent of the enlisted members of the maritime forces.

CSS and its learning sites provide Sailors with the knowledge and skills needed to support the Fleet's warfighting mission. More than 300 staff and faculty work hand in hand with the Fleet and are dedicated to ensuring training is current and well executed on behalf of 10,000 Sailors who graduate from CSS courses annually in the administration, logistics and media communities.