Retired Chief Gives History Lesson

0 Comments | Naval Aviation News, March, 2001 | by Angela Marie Frye

Claude M. Jenkins, a retired boatswain's mate chief petty officer who served from 1937 to 1959, recently was invited by his neighbor, AMCS(AW) Andy Ostroth, to talk with chief selectees at Naval Air Reserve San Diego (NARSD), NAS North Island, Calif., about his naval career. During two decades that were arguably the most hostile years of conflict and change in our nation's history, he participated in the search for Amelia Earhart while assigned to Lexington (CV 2) and witnessed the last kamikaze mission of WW II. His commentary gave the new chiefs an opportunity to learn from someone who served in combat.

"The Chief Petty Officer's Association plays a vital role in the Navy, because no book can teach a person about leadership," Jenkins said.

"I've known Jenkins for 13 years," said Ostroth, Systems Maintenance Coordinator at NAS North Island's Commander Helicopter Wing Reserve. "He has a wealth of knowledge, both in naval history and from his own experience as a chief petty officer." Having served in many battles, earned numerous awards and logged 1,300 flight hours in airships, "he had the whole audience captivated with his experiences.

"The elements of good leadership are tested under the most stressful situations," Ostroth continued. "All the things we take for granted are things that Jenkins had to live with on a daily basis. It's beneficial to have him describe what it was like.

"One of the reasons our generation has it so good, and comparatively easy, is that we are reaping benefits from the sacrifices of the WW II generation," Ostroth added. And "you can use the experiences of your fellow chiefs as advice when making tough decisions."

At the end of his visit, Jenkins said he was very pleased with what he saw in the prospective chiefs: "I feel optimism from this group of young people. If the CPO Association can bring out this potential, its mission is accomplished."

JO3 Frye is assigned to the Naval Air Reserve San Diego Public Affairs Office.