Northwest First Class Petty Officers Meet for Symposium

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Seth Coulter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Det. Northwest

SILVERDALE, Wash. (NNS) -- More than 300 first class petty officers (FCPO) from multiple commands in the Pacific Northwest met for a two-day leadership symposium at Bangor Plaza, Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, April 7-8.

The symposium was hosted by Navy Region Northwest and coordinated by the Intermediate Maintenance Facility and Naval Base Kitsap First Class Petty Officer Associations (FCPOA).

"Setting up the logistics to have this meeting was very difficult, but to see so many people joined together in one room is all worth it," said Machinist's Mate 1st Class Dwayne Whiteside, from Concord, California, president of the Intermediate Maintenance Facility FCPOA.

The symposium covered a broad range of topics including leadership skills and the Chief Petty Officer (CPO) 365 program from several speakers, including fleet, force and command master chiefs.

"I learn something at every [CPO] 365 meeting I go to, sometimes from fellow chiefs and sometimes from FCPO's," said Chief Culinary Specialist Kevin Flatley, from Hempstead, New York, attached to Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor's Trident Inn. "Every day is a chance to grow and benefit from the Sailors around you."

The training provided FCPOs with worthwhile information in conjunction with goals to set for themselves while beginning their journey to the chief petty officer selection boards.

"Having so many FCPOs interacting with each other in one setting, while tremendous speakers pass on their information to future leaders is a great experience," said Culinary Specialist 1st Class Jonathan McClellan, from Fort Morgan, Colorado, attached to Naval Base Kitsap.

The symposium brought together officers, FCPOs and CPOs to share information and leadership skills to help build a strong future of Navy leadership.