COMSUBPAC Recognizes Chief in the Spotlight
By
Submarine Squadron 11 Public Affairs
Release Date: 7/27/2012
(SAN DIEGO) – 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.
Chief Sonar Technician (STSC) (SS) Nathan Chappelle from Mt. Angel, Ore. is our Chief in the Spotlight for the month of July. STSC Chappelle currently serves aboard the Los Angeles-class submarine USS Albuquerque (SSN 706) which is assigned to Commander Submarine Squadron 11, and homeported at Naval Submarine Base Point Loma in San Diego Calif.
COMSUBRON 11: Why did you join the Navy?
STSC Chappelle: I grew up with it. My dad was a submarine sonar technician, my grandfather and great grandfather were also in the Navy. I have a great uncle, an uncle and two sisters who are also veterans. So, I knew from the time I was in middle school that I wanted to be in the military and that I wanted to be a submariner. I’m the fourth generation of military service in my family and my family takes a lot of pride in that.
What made you aspire to be a Chief?
STSC Chappelle: My dad, grandfather and great grandfather were all in the Navy and my great grandfather was the last Chief in the family. He was the only one in his family to survive the influenza epidemic and he lied about his age and managed to join the Navy at 14. He’s an inspirational man. I was pinned with his anchors when I made Chief.
What was your most challenging moment as a Chief?
STSC Chappelle: My most challenging moment as a Chief was when I realized that I’m the Chief, I’m it! I realized that I no longer had a safety net and that was when I also realized exactly how much I had relied on my Chief when I was a 1st class.
What do you think is the most important aspect of being a Chief?
STSC Chappelle: The most important aspect of being a Chief is learning to have patience. I had to learn to be patient and not losing my temper with my guys when something didn’t go right. I have to always remember that they have different personalities, and I have to have the patience to find the best way to teach them the skills they need to be effective at their jobs.
As a Chief, who has been your biggest mentor?
STSC Chappelle: Every Chief I have come in contact with has influenced me in some way or another. The Chief who influenced me the most though is probably Senior Chief Electronics Technician (ETCS)(SS) Dave Carter, the 3MC aboard USS Albuquerque (SSN 706). He had those qualities that I wanted to see more of in myself. He was firm but had a way with the Sailors that was charismatic, and he was fair. I think he’s a great leader. He was also one of those super salty Sailors.
Has being a Chief changed your life?
STSC Chappelle: Yes! Being a Chief has helped me grow a lot as a person. As a Chief everything I do is scrutinized and that scrutiny has made me want to perform at a level that would make anyone I come across proud to have me work with them. I’ve also learned that you have to make everyday count. You have to keep learning and keep making a difference every single day because if you go one day without learning something or making some sort of difference then you have wasted that day.
