THE ANCHORS OF “THE CHIEF”!

Two tiny little anchors

of bright and shiny gold.

Few know of their significance

or the treasure that they hold.

To civilians, they’re just little pins

to put on Sailors’ collars.

And in boot camp they just signify

the ones who always hollers.

To a Seaman these two anchors

have power and control.

To a Navy Petty Officer

these anchors are a goal.

But ask a Chief who’s been there

what those anchors signify.

And they’ll get a lump swelled in their throat

and a tear will fill their eyes.

These anchors have traditions

and history of beliefs.

They’ve been passed for generations

like a torch amongst the Chiefs.

They signify the people

who has helped with their career?

And the Chiefs who guided them along

and somehow got them here.

They’re a symbol of a brotherhood/sisterhood

a fraternity of pride.

Worn by those who fought for freedom

they shine bright for those who died.

They’re a feeling you get inside

And it’s one we Chiefs have known.

That no matter where you go in life

If a Chiefs there….you are home.

Now these tiny little anchors

worn by Active Chiefs.

And for many Chiefs that has retired

active Chiefs will be left to fill their shoes

So wear these shiny anchors

let your heart fill up with pride.

Earn respect, not for the uniform

but for the Chief, you are inside.

Take good care of the younger Sailors

be a Chief who truly cares.

And someday they will think of you

as the Chief “who got them there”.

And those shiny little anchors

will continue to be passed.

To the many Chiefs who come and go

in the Navy big and vast.

They will shine there on the collars

of the ones with strong beliefs.

That once you pin those anchors on

You will always be…..

“THE CHIEF”!

HISTORY OF NAVAL AIR STATION CUBI POINT, PHILIPPINES!

This is an aerial view of NAS Cubi Point in the Philippines (now Subic Bay International Airport).

During the Korean War, Admiral Arthur Radford, the Chief of Naval Operations, wanted a naval air station close to the Navy’s base at Subic Bay.

This bit of land was only 3 miles away from the fleet anchorage. Civilian contractors were initially given the job of building the base, but they said it was impossible due to the local rugged terrain, so Admiral Redford handed the job to the Seabees.

Three Seabee units worked for five years building the base which at the time was the largest earth-moving project since the construction of the Panama Canal.

The Seabees completed work on the air station in 1956.

Admiral Arthur W. Radford made the inaugural landing himself on the new runway.

In honor of the Seabee battalion that constructed the base, Construction Battalion One (CUB 1), the base was named CUB1 Point but over the years became better known as “Cubi Point”.

NAS Cubi Point became the Seventh Fleet’s main aircraft repair/overhaul depot.

During Vietnam, the base’s engine shops were turning out 2-3 overhauled engines a day to support carrier operations in the Tonkin Gulf.

The eruption of Mount Pinatubo damaged the base and in 1992 it was handed over to the Philippines as part of the withdrawal of permanent-based US forces from the islands.

New Year’s Day 2020

By Garland Davis

Somewhere at sea, 0900…

Boatswain’s mate of the Watch pipes attention

“This is the Captain. I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy 2020. I know the cooks will be preparing a delicious cookout on the fantail this afternoon. The cookout was originally scheduled to start at 1100. That has been changed to 1500.

We will be passing near the track of the USNS Oiler. They are lingering in the area awaiting a rendezvous with the battle group tomorrow. Since the Cheng informs me that we are down to 96% fuel, I have decided to take this opportunity to top off our tanks. I anticipate being alongside Oiler at 1130 hours.

The XO informs me that conditions in the passageways and berthing spaces are not up to standards, so we will spend the morning titivating those spaces that are not up to standards. I expect all Division Officers, Chiefs, and LPO’s to be providing hands-on supervision to ensure that all spaces are shipshape.

Again, A Happy New Year to all hands!”