Bataan Launches CPO-Eligible PT Program

PORTSMOUTH, Va. - For most Sailors, when they learn they are eligible for the chief petty officer (CPO) selection board, it is a time to celebrate, work on their board packages and wait until the results for chief are announced in August.

For Sailors aboard USS Bataan (LHD 5), it means time to start preparing for the potential transition to CPO.

Bataan's Command Master Chief (SW/AW/FMF) Jim Tubbs and Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman (SW) Huben Phillips started the first class mentorship and physical training (PT) program in order to kick-start preparations for earning CPO anchors.

"I think it is a great 'hands-on' approach," said the program's PT coordinator, Chief Aviation Electronics Technician (AW/SW) Chad A. Vance. "With Bataan's current schedule, the chiefs mess should have between 55 and 60 sessions with the first classes before the results are announced."

The training is held three times a week at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) Scott Annex and Callaghan Fitness Center, while Bataan finishes her docked planned maintenance availability at NNSY.

"It's a great head start for the first classes, as well as the chiefs mess, before the results are announced in August," added Vance. "It helps us all be better prepared for the road ahead to making new chief petty officers."

Before, during and after the PT, Bataan's 54 chiefs-board-eligible first classes and additional members from the chiefs mess hold training on different topics, including leadership, core values, mentorship and Navy heritage. The sessions also include a group run.

"It is really a great dynamic," said Tubbs. "The team building between the chiefs mess and first class petty officers is positively impacting the esprit de corps within the command. The leadership training helps the first class petty officers become better all-around Sailors, both on and off duty."