COMSUBPAC Recognizes USS Frank Cable (AS 40) Chief in the Spotlight
By MC2 Gabrielle Blake,
USS Frank Cable (AS 40) Public Affairs
Release Date: 8/9/2012
(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 Hull Maintenance Technician (HTCS) (SW) David Jaynes from Euhl, Idaho, is our Chief in the Spotlight for the month of August. HTCS Jaynes currently serves on board the submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40), which is responsible for conducting maintenance of submarines and surface vessels deployed in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility.
Why did you join the Navy?
HTCS Jaynes: I joined the Navy because I did not really want to go to college. Once I joined, I wanted to get into the SEAL program and go from there. I wanted to leave my hometown.
Did you plan on making the Navy a career when you joined?
HTCS Jaynes: At first I did not plan on making the Navy a career. I was going to do my four years and get out. When I was promoted to first class, that was the turning point for me. I had more responsibility, and I got the drive to stay in and make it a career. I already had 10 years in so I think the maturity level at that point that made me think I can be more and I can do more for the Navy. That’s what made me want to stay in for hopefully 30 years.
How long had you served in the Navy when you were selected for Chief?
HTCS Jaynes: I was in 14 years when I was selected for Chief. I made Senior Chief at my 20 year mark.
Who is your mentor and how did they inspire you?
HTCS Jaynes: I’ve had several mentors. Master Chief Kinley was my last Command Master Chief. She drove me in ways, not only for the personnel who worked for me but also with my children and my home life. She was one you could talk to and bounce things off of, and she just gave that other perspective to me. Master Chief Kinley was one mentor that sticks out. There are plenty more, even on board the ship now. I made chief on Frank Cable and Master Chief Kenneth Wagner, Frank Cable’s Repair Master Chief, was my sponsor. He did a lot of things to help me in my career. The chief’s mess from my whole season taught me a lot.
What prepared you the most to be a Chief?
HTCS Jaynes: From day one, when I first came into the Navy, the Chiefs taught you how to conduct yourself on liberty, taught you that you work hard, you play hard and they kept you out of trouble. They taught me how to genuinely take care of a Sailor. It’s not just something that you say; it is something that you physically do. You watch over them. You take care of them. You know their ins and outs so if something is wrong, you can detect it right away. That’s how Chiefs taught me when I was a junior Sailor. That prepared me to become a chief.
What was the most unexpected challenge after your transition to Chief?
HTCS Jaynes: I was so hyped up on being a Chief, I took the training to heart and I just drove with it. I took on every challenge that I could so I haven’t had any unexpected challenges so far.
What type of leadership skills do you provide to junior Sailors?
HTCS Jaynes: Accountability. That is the biggest thing. I want to make sure that if somebody tells me to do something or I have something for them to get done, it is accounted for. So, holding them accountable to what they say or what they are supposed to be doing is the biggest thing for me.
What is your favorite thing about being a Chief?
HTCS Jaynes: Being able to make a difference. Being able to have a voice, and being in a group where you can really make change for the junior Sailors.
What Chief, past or present influenced you to become a Chief?
HTCS Jaynes: One name that stands out is Retired Chief Hull Technician Dwayne Cook. He has been retired for quite some time but he sticks out in my mind. He is somebody who taught me to write evaluations and taught me quite a bit.
What is your most memorable experience or milestone as a Chief?
HTCS Jaynes: Each CPO season. To watch the first classes become Chiefs, to watch the whole transition in them, to watch them grow and remember back on my season and what a great time it was for me and how much fun I had. I just enjoy watching junior Sailors grow up to be Chiefs.
