About

At the heart of the USS Chief’s crest you will see the fouled anchor, the symbol of the Chief Petty Officer. The anchor chain is depicted with 84 links. Each represents one plank owner, the ship's sponsor, and the Matron of Honor. Above it are three silver stars arranged in the manner of lights on a ship’s mast. At the heart of the crest rests a mine with crossed blades. The mine represents Chief’s primary duty as a Mine Sweeper and the crossing of the sword and cutlass represents the officers and enlisted aboard who strive for surface excellence. Seven gold stars flank Neptune’s Trident emerging from the ocean. These stars represent the seven Battle Stars won during the Second World War and the Korean War by the first ship to bear the name Chief, USS Chief (AM-315).

 

History and Namesake

“Chief...what a great name for a Navy warship.” (ADM J.M. Boorda)

These words were spoken on November 5th, 1994, at the commissioning of the USS Chief in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. The USS Chief (MCM 14) was the 2nd warship to share the name after USS Chief (AM-315) which was commissioned 9 October 1943. The current iteration was named after the Chief Petty Officers that have served our Navy for generations and the name was chosen by Secretary of the Navy, Lawrence Garrett, who chose the name based on it being launched June 1993 during the centennial celebration of the Chief Petty Officers. Sue Bushey was chosen as sponsor of the USS Chief and as she supported the young Petty Officer Duane Bushey, who would become the seventh Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, she would also support the crew and families of the USS Chief for years to come.

“She, represents all the best that wives and husbands of Navy Chief Petty Officers are and can be.” (ADM J.M. Boorda)