NSSF Master Chief Reflects on CMC Selection, Benefits of CPO 365

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Commander, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- One of 97 active duty and full time support/Selected Reserve master chiefs selected to serve as a command master chief, offered his reflections on the process Feb. 27.

Naval Submarine Support Facility's Command Master Chief (SS) Rory Wohlgemuth, who graduated from New London High School in 1995, is a co-chairman of the Chief Petty Officer 365 (CPO 365) program at Naval Submarine Base New London, which regularly meets the second Thursday of every month. The next meeting is scheduled for March 8 at 10 a.m. at the Dealey Center in Groton.

CPO 365 is a three-phase year-round training cycle, which is a combination of training, networking and other events, aimed at preparing board-eligible first class petty officers to be future chief petty officers. In addition to guiding future chief petty officers, CPO 365 also provides an opportunity to build mentoring and team-building opportunities with junior officers.

"I didn't make master chief in 14 years unless someone was watching over me and involved in my life and my career, essentially taking care of me," said Wohlgemuth.

In an average week, Wohlgemuth can easily interact with a large percentage of the more than 400 Sailors.

"What I do well is take care of my Sailors and that is my number one goal," said Wohlgemuth.

Wohlgemuth also interacts with another 400 civilian personnel that are assigned to NSSF and added that "while both civilians and Sailors might not wear the same uniform, they are true patriots all the same."

Wohlgemuth reflected on the lessons learned throughout his career and how sharing this wisdom with others is essentially the bedrock for the Chief Petty Officer 365 program.

"I love the fact that it gets the door open to the chiefs' quarters," said Wohlgemuth. "I'm glad that I get the chance to be a part of it and can see it grow."

The command master chief also explained how the chiefs' unity allows them to share valuable experiences and positively lead Sailors.

"I think if we open the door and share what we know it will motivate our Sailors to do better and share what we know with them. If we don't engage them, they will be trained by their actions," said Wohlgemuth.

Wohlgemuth has previously deployed on four submarines to include USS Houston, USS Columbia, USS Miami, and USS Texas.

During his deployments he passed along his wisdom to the junior Sailors aboard.

"The thing that I told the new guys is to qualify as fast as you can in whatever helps your division or ship. Once you begin to be helpful to the ship more people in turn will be willing to help you," said Wohlgemuth.

He added that he believes in three major pillars and tries to apply them regularly in his naval career: integrity, dedication to doing well personally and professionally, and staying healthy.

"In my naval career, I have always wanted to provide good choices and opportunities, but at the same time showing and doing and walking the walk are truly important," said Wohlgemuth.

Wohlgemuth added that he looks forward to growing in his present job and spending time with his wife and two children.

"The best is that my father works on Naval Submarine Base New London and is employed by Naval Undersea Warfare Center, but works at the Submarine Learning Center," said Wohlgemuth.

Wohlgemuth's father also served in the Navy, aboard Los Angeles-class submarine USS Augusta (SSN 710).