Fouled Anchor Forums

[krnl]

I just got back from the Acceptance Trials on CVN-77, I checked
onboard at 0500 and thought I would grab a cup of coffee in the mess.
Low and behold there was security posted at the hatch to the chief's mess and
since my riders card said general I wasn't allowed to enter. After
badgering security long enough they left me pass, once in the mess I asked
the MDMAA where the caterer was and he pointed towards the mess lounge,
inside I found Master Chief Askew (CSCM I think) I asked about if I could
eat chow in the mess being a retired CPO, not only did he say no that I
couldn't eat but I was permitted in the mess at all.
He told me that there was to many of ya, I was suddenly not a retired CPO
but a ya.

After being talked to like a FN and treated like a dog, I was
exiting the mess at flank speed with flames coming from both ears to talk to
someone, anyone, I stopped 2 chiefs and asked who the CMC was and where I
could find him, I got the same answer from both, "I don't know" at that
exact moment I realized that my mess isn't my mess anymore, when the hell
did the comrade, fellowship and brotherhood change to me, me, me!!!

When I was frocked to chief on the Truman I left the frocking
ceremony and reported the mess where I became the mess caterer, I can tell
you one thing no retired CPO or Retired E-7 and above from any branch was
ever turned away or even paid for a meal, I owed them that much. The ship
saying there was to many people to let all retired CPO's in the mess is
bullshit, I hosted a bring your boss to supper and also bring a blue shirt
to supper quit often on the Truman and I could run 800 people thru the line
in less than 3 hours.

2 years ago I went to my oldest son's graduation from Marine Corp
boot camp at Parris Island and I was welcomed with open arms there, and when
I see him at Camp Legune I retired status is excepted well.

Last week I went to Fort Jackson to my youngest son's Army
graduation and was recognized and honored during the ceremony for being a
retired vet.

Has the new Navy flushed away centuries of tradition and thrown our
retired CPO's away, I think so.

You have my permission, and I encourage you to forward this to
anyone you see fit. I'm pissed, embarrassed and ashamed of what is happening
to my mess.


R/

ICC(SW) Brian R. Harman (Retired)

[FJL1965 (Fred)]

Brian,
I was also on CVN 77 but didn't have the experience you had. Holy crap!!!! I hope you got that chance to talk to the CMC.. I was working the LAN systems and was invited to the mess more than once.
Fred

[rabutcher (Robert)]

What happen to "once a Chief, always a Chief"!!!!!!!! Sounds like some serious B.S. Since retiring in early '07 I haven't experienced anything like that yet nor do I hope I do! That is a shame that happen to you shipmate, like Fred said I hope you got to talk to the CMC and give me a ear full. My 2 cents....

[E FLETCHER (ELBERT)]

Brian,
That's a true shame! It embarrassed me to read it. I am at a loss for the proper words to express what I am feeling after reading how you, A Fellow Chief, were treated by this mess. I can only imagine how it made you feel that day... Of all the ship's I have had to visit both as an active and now retired Chief, I have never experienced anything like that.. Did the CMC retify the issue?
Not that you should have had to go that route in the first place.. Sorry Brother! I feel ashamed.

Emmette Fletcher, SKC(AW/SW), USN, Ret.

[Hawkman (John)]

Fellow brothers and sisters,
I hope this isn't the kind of treatment that i or any other retired khaki are to expect... I didn't bust my ass to have anyone treat me that way ever!! If i were you chief i would contact that CMC and demand not only a meal for you but your spouse or significant other, AND an apology in front of the mess!!! I beleive that is warranted in this manner. HooYah Deepsea!
John

[thomas.fasick (Thomas)]

Brian,

I am deeply troubled that you has this experience on our newest CVN. Your posting doesn't confirm if you met with the CMC but I would recommend contacting MC Pharr of COMNAVAIRLANT if you are not satisfied with the action you receive/received from the CMC. If you want I can get you his contact info tomorrow Wednesday. Contact me at thomas.fasick@navy.mil

Sincerely and Very Respectfully

Tom