COMSUBPAC Recognizes Chief in the Spotlight
By Submarine Group 9 Public Affairs

Release Date: 10/22/2012

(BANGOR, Wash.) – 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 Machinist Mate (SS) Patrick T. Harris of Cheyenne, Wyo., is our Chief in the Spotlight for the month of October. Harris was promoted to Chief Petty Officer on Sept 16, 2012. He currently serves at USS Louisiana Blue (SSBN 743) as the Auxiliary Division Chief.

COMSUBPAC: Why did you join the Navy?
MMC Harris: I joined the Navy because when I asked my parents if I could live with them and go to college they said that I could if I pay rent. When they said that, I knew that I was not going to be able to work and spend the required amount of time on school.  So I thought long and hard about it, and the military was the only viable option for me.  Coming from a military family, I knew all the benefits that could come from the military. I knew I wasn’t going to join the Air Force because my father was in the Air Force and I didn’t want to be compared to him. I also knew that the Marines and the Army weren’t for me. The only options were the Navy or the Coast Guard. When I talked with them and I heard about submarines, I knew that was for me. So here I am today.

COMSUBPAC: Did you plan on making the Navy a career when you joined?
MMC Harris: I did not plan on making the Navy a career when I joined. When my wife and I had our first daughter, and she needed more medical attention than expected, I figured out how much money I would need to make outside of the Navy to equal the medical coverage she was receiving in the Navy. It was then that I opted to make the Navy a career. That was the best decision that I have made to date, and I love this job.

COMSUBPAC: How long had you served in the Navy when you were selected for Chief?
MMC Harris: When I was selected for Chief I just had hit 12 years in the Navy.

COMSUBPAC: Who is your mentor and how did they inspire you?
MMC Harris: I have had a lot of people throughout my career that has helped me along the way. However, if there only has to be one I would have to say it was Senior Chief Machinist Mate (SS) Thomas Breeding. He inspired me because of the type of leader that he is. He didn’t change the way he did things because he made Chief, he maintained his character throughout his career. That allowed him to take care of his guys and because of that he was successful. I took that on board and really concentrate on the guys that serve under me. I have found that if you spend most of your time on that then everything else just falls into place.

COMSUBPAC: What prepared you the most to be a Chief?
MMC Harris: My past leaders and wife have prepared me the most to be a Chief. The leaders have all taught me something. It wasn’t always good, and it definitely wasn’t all bad, but I learned a lot of what to do and some of what not to do throughout the years with them. My wife has prepared me because this job takes a lot of time and concentration. Without my wife I wouldn’t be able to concentrate as much or spend as much time leading Auxiliary Division.

COMSUBPAC: What was the most unexpected challenge after your transition to Chief?
MMC Harris: The most unexpected challenge after reporting as Auxiliary Division Chief was having one of my Sailors pass away. I was running the division and trying to figure out how as a division to overcome this and ensure they had their minds on the mission. I made sure that their needs were taken care of first and slowly worked them up to perform the mission. We talked about it constantly and made sure that every opportunity was given to the division to talk with friends and counselors. It was a slow process but an important one to make sure that nothing was left undone and so that every Sailor in the division could put their full attention into their jobs. We had a memorial for him, which was the closing of it all. You can have all the training in the world and you can think you know how to handle this type of situation until it actually happens.  There were a lot of things that I didn't know, but because of my brothers in the Chief's Quarters, we were able to get through it and continue on with what we needed to get done.

COMSUBPAC: What type of leadership skills do you provide to junior Sailors?
MMC Harris: The type of leadership skills that I provide first and foremost is leading from the deckplates. Being the Auxiliary Division Chief, there is a lot of work to get done and very little time to get it done, for the most part. So I find it very important to be on the deckplates with my Sailors to ensure they have the backup they need. I treat them with dignity and respect. I ensure that they are getting the most out of the Navy whether they want to reenlist or not.  

COMSUBPAC: What is your favorite thing about being a Chief?
MMC Harris: My favorite thing about being a Chief is the ability to be the voice and stick up for my Sailors. I also really enjoy the brotherhood that comes with being a Chief.  At any given time I can call a fellow Chief and they will help out at the drop of a dime.  That is invaluable and this is what makes the Navy run.

COMSUBPAC: What is your most memorable experience or milestone as a Chief?
MMC Harris: The most memorable experience thus far is having the pleasure to lead the junior guys that I have. Each one is unique and brings something new to the table. The other is accomplishing a major Dry Docking upkeep with only two weeks to prepare. It was a lot of work and coordination but at the end it was awesome.

COMSUBPAC: What Chief, past or present influenced you to become a Chief?
MMC Harris: Ever since I was able to strike Auxiliary Division I wanted to be the Auxiliary Division Chief. This job is so rewarding and everyday is different. So with that said, the entire Auxiliary (A-gang) chiefs that I have served with directly or indirectly are the ones that influenced me to become Chief. They are the ones that made this job appealing.