Philippine Sea Welcomes 2 New Senior Chiefs

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Abraham Loe McNatt

At Sea (NNS) -- Two Sailors serving aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) were promoted to senior chief petty officers during a frocking ceremony on the ship's flight deck, June 5.

The ceremony for Senior Chief Engineman Jeffery Clark and Senior Chief Culinary Specialist Michael Vira was held during an all-hands call.

"This is a truly well deserved promotion for Senior Chief Clark and Senior Chief Vira," said Command Master Chief Lewis Jackson, the ship's senior enlisted leader. "They are outstanding leaders who personify the Philippine Sea spirit of excellence."

Clark, who arrived to the Philippine Sea in October 2010 as a first class petty officer, has not only shot through the ranks, but gained the admiration of the crew along the way.

"As soon as I got here, he headed me in the right direction," said Engineman 2nd Class Ruben Joseph. "He's one of the best guys on the ship. I'm not scared to ask him advice about anything, on or away from work."

Clark is described as an "information powerhouse," by Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Thomas Collins. He is that guy everyone wants to emulate. He is good at sports, he can fix anything, he has great people skills and he is still completely down to earth.

"The crew here is unbelievable," said Clark. "If I didn't have the crew I have here, there is no way I'd be where I am now. The "A" gang, the chiefs' mess and my family are all to thank for this."

Vira, who has also moved quickly through the ranks in his 16-year career, has a fan club of his own aboard the ship.

"I don't think there is a more deserving person," said Culinary Specialist 1st Class Eber Barraza. "I feel that at my stage in the Navy, as a first class, I've been very lucky to have a chief like that as a leader. The guys trust in him; he is very knowledgeable at everything that he does."

He is great at taking care of his personnel and not just his division, but the whole crew, said Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Caesar King. His door is always open, no matter what. If he doesn't have time, he will make time. He is very proud to be in the Navy and it shows in his commitment to serving the crew and making sure everyone is fed well. It's very motivational to see.

"You work everyday for achievements, but it's still a surprise when you hear your name called," said Vira. "This is really a reward for my family and my crew and the hard work they've put in. They've always answered the call, and I couldn't have made it here without them."

Philippine Sea is deployed as part of the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.