COMSUBPAC Recognizes Chief in the Spotlight
By MC1 Ronald Gutridge,
COMSUBPAC Public Affairs
Release Date: 6/6/2012
(PEARL HARBOR, HI) - The Year of the Chief is a year-long celebration of past and present chief petty officers that officially kicked off on April 2nd at the United States Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C. As part of Year of the Chief events, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMSUBPAC) will spotlight one Chief Petty Officer from around the force each month through next April.
Senior Chief Information Systems Technician Submarines (ITSCS) (SS) Jan Rega from Allentown, Pa., is our Chief in the Spotlight for the month of May. ITSCS Rega currently serves at Commander Submarine Development Squadron 5 (COMSUBDEVRON FIVE), Bangor, Wash.
COMSUBPAC: Why did you join the Navy?
ITSCS Rega: Growing up, my grandfather talked about his time in the Navy consistently. It seemed like an easy way to see and do new things, along with the opportunity to get ahead in life.
COMSUBPAC: Did you plan on making the Navy a career when you joined?
ITSCS Rega: When I joined the Navy my intent was to serve for six years and get out. While onboard my first boat I was given the opportunity to run the Local Area Network, which I enjoyed, so when orders to teach the Network Administrator courses became available I decided to reenlist. During that time I made Chief and decided to make this a career.
COMSUBPAC: How long had you served in the Navy when you were selected for Chief?
ITSCS Rega: I had been in the Navy for eight years when I was selected for Chief.
COMSUBPAC: Who is your mentor and how did they inspire you?
ITSCS Rega: My initial mentors were Master Chief Fire Controlman Dave Collins and Chief Fire Control Technician Rob Davis. They attacked every problem with ease and made everyone feel as though they were part of the team. They were easy to approach and were willing to help out with any issues. Today, I work with a talented group of people I use as a sounding board on a day-to-day basis. They make me a better leader by allowing me to make better decisions and approach problems from different angles.
COMSUBPAC: What prepared you the most to be a Chief?
ITSCS Rega: The transition season allowed me to experience numerous situations that I had previously not encountered. All the input received makes you realize how important it is to get all the data and move forward with facts, not emotion. Ultimately I was not fully prepared the day I put on anchors, but the Chief’s Mess mentored and trained me to ensure I would succeed.
COMSUBPAC: What was the most unexpected challenge after your transition to Chief?
ITSCS Rega: My most unexpected challenge was relating to the Chief’s Mess. I was five to 10 years younger than everyone else and much less experienced. I learned very quickly that everyone had my back and would lead me in the right direction.
COMSUBPAC: What type of leadership skills do you provide to junior Sailors?
ITSCS Rega: My goal is to train junior Sailors to make the best personal and professional decisions possible. Through the CPO 365 training and day-to-day interactions, we encourage them to think about why we do what we do and how we can make it better.
COMSUBPAC: What is your favorite thing about being a Chief?
ITSCS Rega: Being around other Chiefs that want to make a difference.
COMSUBPAC: What is your most memorable experience or milestone as a Chief?
ITSCS Rega: Seeing Sailors succeed. It never gets old.
COMSUBPAC: What Chief, past or present influenced you to become a Chief?
ITSCS Rega: I have been fortunate to have worked with, and for, some great Chiefs. The first person I remember wanting to emulate was Master Chief Machinist Mate Dow Rogers, my Chief of the Boat on USS Hartford (SSN 768). He made me realize how an effective engaged Chiefs Quarters can accomplish anything.
