Welcome to CWO3 John S. Trolinger Jr., USN, Retired WWW Site
Ahoy! You've found my web site.
For all of my former shipmates please feel free to drop me a line and we can tell some sea stories.
Welcome Aboard.

Click on an insignia for more information
 
 


Master Chief Petty Officer
Radarman - Operations Specialist


Chief Warrant Officer W3
Operations Technician


Surface Warfare Officer


Combatant Craft Crewman


Small Craft Commander
Command Chief 


Most of my career I served with the
SEVENTH FLEET 

Recruit Training Command San Diego
USS OKANOGAN (APA 220) later (LPA 220)
USS CATAMOUNT (LSD 17)
USS PROVIDENCE (CLG 6)
Naval Inshore Warfare Command
USS HARTLEY (DE 1029)
USS TRIPPE (DE 1075) later (FF 1075)
Naval Education & Training Center Newport
USS ROBERT A. OWENS (DD 827)
USS CORAL SEA (CVA 43) later (CV 43)
Armed Forces Courier Station Subic Bay
Commander Carrier Group FIVE Staff
Naval Air Station Corpus Christi 


United States Navy Retired 

RCA Corporation - AEGIS Shipbuilding Program
GE Company - AEGIS Shipbuilding Program 



    My Lovely Wife Judy, who put up with it all, is the publisher of a family newsletter
"The SHELBY Exchange"
Link to Judy's Site
and
The SHELBY Exchange


My Son David saw enough of the Surface Navy and decided to join the Submarine Force
Link to David's Site


My son Mike saw enough of the Navy and decided to serve in the Police Force
Link to Mike's Site
 
 

Questions, Comments, and Shipmates Contact the author at John@trolinger.com

Last update 5 Nov 2006

The Master Chief Petty Officer (MCPO) (pay grade E-9) is the senior enlisted petty officer in the United States Navy; as such, the MCPO is vested with special command trust and confidence extending to administrative and managerial functions involving enlisted personnel. The MCPO is the senior technical manager within a rating or occupational field with primary responsibilities for managing and training enlisted personnel oriented to system and subsystem operation, maintenance, and repair; based on wide ranging experience, specialized training, proven performance, and technical knowledge; individuals of that rate within a command hold the senior enlisted positions and contribute to forming as well as implementing policy within their occupational field or across the full Navy rating spectrum.

Operations Specialists (OS) function as Plotters, Radiotelephone, and Command and Control internal communications talkers; maintain Combat Information Center (CIC) displays of strategic and tactical information; operate surveillance radars, identification systems, data link, and associated equipment; interpret radar presentations, evaluate tactical situations, and make recommendations to superiors during watch conditions; implement and monitor security procedures; apply current doctrine and procedures to CIC operations as specified by U. S. Navy Instructions and Joint, Allied, and U. S. Navy publications; procure, correct, use, and stow navigational and oceanographic publications and charts, and apply current doctrine and procedures to radar navigation; provide technical information and assistance during Surface Warfare, Air Warfare, Submarine Warfare, Amphibious Warfare, Mine Warfare, Naval Surface Fire Support, and Search and Rescue operations; provide technical information and advice on capabilities, limitations, reliability, and operational readiness; perform assigned mission organizational level maintenance of Command, Control, Communications, Computer and Intelligence Systems; operates multiple tactical digital information links; directs the tactical integration of joint inter-service data link operations, controls communications, overall track processing, sensor information correlation and data link integration within the theater of operations; resolves link operation problems and communicates joint hierarchy interface faults to higher authority; provide air traffic control services in radar air traffic control facilities and fleet area control and surveillance facilities; controls/supervises control of aircraft in tactical operations; operates/supervises operation of radar, NTDS, communications and associated equipment in the exercise of air control functions; participates in search and rescue and aircraft in-flight emergency operations; operate and navigate unmanned aerial vehicles during the en-route, mission, and return phase of flight; train and supervise personnel; and perform administrative tasks. Senior Operations Specialists assists Commanding Officer and Tactical Action Officer on choice of tactics and weapons employment in all naval warfare areas; coordinates combat information from detection to engagement; ensures correct positioning of aircraft in specified areas, air corridors and approach or departure tunnels; supervises performance of sea combat aircraft control; reports and assists in resolving tracking confusion; performs tactical and administrative message drafting and develops training scenarios to include time-line generation and training systems generation; provides tactical, technical, administrative and training expertise in all naval warfare areas.

Chief Warrant Officers’ are technical officer specialists who perform duties requiring commissioned officer authority; who are prior senior enlisted with extensive experience, technical expertise, and knowledge; who are qualified to direct the most difficult and exacting technical operations in a given occupational area. The CWO is competitive among other Chief Warrant Officers and not significantly effected by promotion, therefore, amenable to successive tours.

Operations Technicians’ are officer technical specialists designated for duty in the operations, maintenance, training, and support of naval surface warfare; OPTECHs’  are prior senior enlisted with extensive experience and technical expertise; are technical specialists in the operation, employment, and application of techniques, equipment, systems, and procedures in operations and communications with practical experience in these areas; trains personnel in the operation and maintenance of operations and communications equipment and systems; plans, directs, and controls operations and communications activities; assist and advise commands in operations and communications planning, direction, and control, and in the employment and utilization of associated facilities, installations, and equipment; organize, supervise, and direct performance of operations and communications equipment; assist in administration of on-board training programs, facilities, and services; and perform administrative tasks.

Surface Warfare Officers’ are officers designated for duty in the operations, maintenance, training, and support of naval surface warfare; serves aboard surface ships; perform general administrative and watch standing duties; through shipboard assignments, acquires experience and exercises management in the occupational areas of deck, engineering, navigation, damage control, weapons, and operations; gains practical experience and exercises effective leadership; and conducts routine administration. (Qualified officers are eligible to wear the Surface Warfare Officer Insignia)

Combatant Craft Crewman are personnel designated for duty in the operations, maintenance, training, and support of combatant craft; perform as combatant crewman in the operation and maintenance of various combatant craft while operating from coastal, riverine, and other restricted water areas; perform riverine, coastal, and/or unconventional and special warfare operations in support of fleet, unified, and specified commanders. The Combatant Craft Crewman designation signifies a man is operationally competent and has acquired additional knowledge that enhances the understanding of warfighting, mission effectiveness, and unit survivability; qualification is based on demonstrated specific combatant craft knowledge pertaining to combatant craft navigation, communication, engineering, weapons, and deck systems capabilities; emergency procedures and immediate action; and other mission essential tasks; train and supervise personnel; and perform administrative tasks. (Qualified officers/petty officers are eligible to wear the Combatant Craft Crewman Insignia)

The Command Chief identifies the Chief Petty Officer who serves as the senior enlisted advisor to the command in formulating and implementing policies pertaining to the morale, utilization, and training of all enlisted personnel; as such, the Command Chief has direct access to the Commanding Officer; additionally, the Command Chief is responsible for carrying out established command policy in specific areas as directed by the Commanding Officer and Executive Officer. As the senior enlisted adviser he will be the principal adviser to the commander on all enlisted matters. His responsibilities include keeping the commander apprised of all matters affecting the health, welfare, morale, effective utilization, and quality of life of the commands enlisted members. He coordinates with staff agen cies, commanders, and senior enlisted personnel on matters of administration and implementation of command policy. The Command Chief takes precedence over all enlisted members within a command. (The Command Chief is eligible to wear the Command Chief Insignia)

The Petty Officer in Charge directs the operation of river, coastal, and/or unconventional warfare combat craft and crew which require a designated petty officer in charge in accordance with Navy Regulations; conducts independent, formation, and multicraft patrols and other combat operations; directs handling of craft underway; directs tactical employment in accordance with instructions, engaging enemy ashore or afloat; coordinates the activities of his unit with other patrolling units or land forces as directed; assigns personnel to stations and exercises military control as delegated; carries out orders and directives of higher authority with respect to employment of craft; ensures safety, combat readiness, cleanliness and proper maintenance of assigned craft. (The officer/petty officer in charge is eligible to wear the Small Craft Insignia)
A Chief Warrant Officer of the Regular Navy who has completed at least 20 years of active service may be retired upon application (10 U.S.C. 1293). The effective date of retirement is the first day of the month as authorized by the Chief of Naval Personnel. Transfer to the Retired List of the United States Navy is a permanent change of status and may only be changed by resignation or discharge approved by the Secretary of the Navy. Retired members are subject to the orders and regulations of the Secretary of the Navy. Retirees’ may be ordered to active duty in time of war or national emergency at the discretion of the Secretary of the Navy (10 USC 673 and 688). Upon written consent or request, may be ordered to active duty at other times. In time of peace, the Fleet Reservist, persons with 20 but less than 30 years of service, may be required to perform not more than 2 months of active service in each 4-year period. Retirees are subject at all times to the laws, regulations, and orders governing the Armed Forces of the United States. Officers are permitted to use their military titles. They may wear their uniform from place of release to home after the date of release and subsequently on occasions of ceremony as prescribed in U.S. Navy Uniform Regulations. (Retired Chief Warrant Officers are eligible to wear the United States Navy Retired Lapel Pen)

Legion of Merit: Awarded to a member of the Armed Forces of the United States or of a friendly foreign nation who distinguishes himself by exceptionally meritorious conduct in performing outstanding service.

Bronze Star Medal: Awarded to any person who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States, distinguishes himself by heroic or meritorious achievement or service. Awarded with bronze “V” device for valor in combat.

Meritorious Service Medal: Awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States or members of the armed forces of a friendly foreign nation who distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States.

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Joint Service Commendation Medal: Awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who distinguished themselves by meritorious achievement or service.
Navy Commendation Medal: Awarded to a person who, while serving in any capacity with the United States Navy or United States Marine Corps, distinguishes himself after by heroic or meritorious achievement or service. A 5/16-inch gold star is worn on the suspension ribbon of the medal and on the ribbon bar for each subsequent award. Awarded with bronze “V” device for valor in combat.
Joint Service Achievement Medal: Awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who distinguished themselves by outstanding performance of duty and meritorious achievement.

Navy Achievement Medal: Awarded to a person who, while serving in any capacity with the United States Navy or United States Marine Corps, for meritorious service or achievement in a combat or non-combat situation based on sustained performance or specific achievement of a superlative nature. A 5/16-inch gold star is worn on the suspension ribbon of the medal and on the ribbon bar for each subsequent award. Awarded with bronze “V” device for valor in combat.

Combat Action Ribbon: Awarded to members of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, and United States Coast Guard who have actively participated in ground or surface combat. A 5/16-inch gold star is worn on the ribbon bar for each subsequent award.

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Presidential Unit Citation: Awarded in the name of the President of the United States to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and co-belligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy. The degree of heroism required is the same as that which would be required for award of a Navy Cross to an individual. A 3/16-inch bronze star is worn on the ribbon bar for each subsequent award.

Joint Meritorious Unit Commendation: Awarded in the name of the Secretary of Defense to recognize outstanding heroism or achievement performed during periods of war, international tension, national emergencies, or extraordinary situations that involve national interests. It is intended to recognize joint units and activities for exceptionally meritorious achievement or conduct in the performance of outstanding service.

Navy Unit Commendation: Awarded by Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps which has distinguished itself by outstanding heroism in action against the enemy; or to any such unit which has distinguished itself by extremely meritorious service not involving combat but in support of military operations. This award may also be conferred upon units of the other branches of the Armed Forces of the United States, and armed forces of friendly foreign nations serving with the Armed Forces of the United States. The unit must have performed service of a character comparable to that which would merit the award of a Silver Star Medal for heroism or a Legion of Merit for meritorious service to an individual. A 3/16-inch bronze star is worn on the ribbon bar for each subsequent award.

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Meritorious Unit Commendation: Awarded by Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps which has distinguished itself, under combat or non-combat conditions, by either valorous or meritorious achievement. This award may also be conferred upon units of the other branches of the Armed Forces of the United States and of friendly foreign nations serving with the Armed Forces of the United States. The unit must have performed service of a character comparable to that which would merit the award of a Bronze Star Medal, or Achievement Medal of like caliber in a non-combat situation, to an individual. A 3/16-inch bronze star is worn on the ribbon bar for each subsequent award.

Good Conduct Medal: Established by the Secretary of the Navy on 26 April 1869 to recognize the “all-around” good Navy enlisted person, well qualified in all phases of conduct and performance. Within the required period of active service, the individual must have a clear record (no convictions by courts-martial, no non-judicial punishments, no lost time by reason of sickness-misconduct, no civil convictions for offenses involving moral turpitude). A 3/16-inch bronze star is worn on the suspension ribbon of the medal and on the ribbon bar for each subsequent award.

Navy Expeditionary Medal: Awarded to United States Navy service members who have actually landed on foreign territory and engaged in operations against armed opposition, or operated under circumstances deemed to merit special recognition. A 3/16-inch bronze star is worn on the suspension ribbon of the medal and on the ribbon bar for participation in each subsequent operation.

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National Defense Service Medal: Honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States for any period after 26 June 1950 to 28 July 1954, after 31 December 1960 and before 15 August 1974 or after 1 August 1990 and before 1 December 1995 or after 10 September 2001 and a date to be announced. A 3/16-inch bronze star is worn on the suspension ribbon of the medal and on the ribbon bar for participation in each subsequent time period.

Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal: Awarded to personnel of the Armed Forces of the United States who participated as members of United States military units in a U.S. military operation in which personnel of any military department participate in significant numbers. During such participation, foreign armed opposition, or are otherwise placed in such position that hostile action by foreign armed forces was imminent even though such hostile action did not materialize. A 3/16-inch bronze star is worn on the suspension ribbon of the medal and on the ribbon bar for participation in each subsequent operation.

Vietnam Service Medal: Awarded to all members of the Armed Forces of the United States serving at anytime between 1 July 1958 and 28 March 1973 in the area defined for Vietnam or the air space thereof, and serving in direct support of operations in Republic of  Vietnam. A 3/16-inch bronze star is worn on the suspension ribbon of the medal and on the ribbon bar for participation in each campaign period or operation.

Korean Defense Service Medal: Awarded to all members of the Armed Forces of  the United States serving at anytime between  28 July 1954 and a date to be determined in the area defined for Korea or the air space thereof, and serving in direct support of defense of the Republic of Korea.

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Humanitarian Service Medal: Awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States and their Reserve components who distinguished themselves as individuals or as members of United States military units or ships by meritorious direct participation in a significant military act or operation of a humanitarian nature. A 3/16-inch bronze star is worn on the suspension ribbon of the medal and on the ribbon bar for participation in each subsequent humanitarian operation.

Navy "E" Ribbon: Navy personnel permanently attached to and serving with cited ships and units during the battle efficiency competitive cycle for which the award was given, or any part thereof, are entitled to the award. The award authority for the Battle ‘E’ resides with the Type Commander.

Sea Service Deployment Ribbon: Awarded to officer and enlisted personnel of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps recognizes the unique and demanding nature of sea service and the arduous duty attendant with deployment; are assigned to U.S.homeported ships/deploying units or Fleet Marine Force commands for 12-months accumulated sea duty or duty with Fleet Marine Force which includes at least one 90-consecutive day deployment; for United States Navy and United States Marine Corps personnel assigned to overseas homeported ships/deploying units or Fleet Marine Force commands with 12-months accumulated sea duty or duty with the Fleet Marine Force. A 3/16-inch bronze star is worn on the ribbon bar for each subsequent award.

Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon: Awarded to officers and enlisted personnel of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps and their Reserve components recognizes the unique and demanding nature of such duty, who serve 12-months consecutive or accumulated duty at overseas shore base duty station, including deployed units and units homeported overseas. A 3/16-inch bronze star is worn on the ribbon bar for each subsequent award.

Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation: The Secretary of the Navy approved the acceptance of the award for the Commander in Chief, Pacific Representative Philippine Disaster Task Force and United States Disaster Task Force Manila for the period 21 July 1972 to 15 August 1972.

Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal: Established by Republic of Vietnam (RVN) Armed Forces to recognize service performed in Vietnam during the period 1 March 1961 to 28 March 1973. The Secretary of the Navy has specifically authorized certain units of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, and United States Coast Guard to accept the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation: Awarded by the Chief of the Joint General Staff, Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces in two colors: Gallantry Cross Medal Color with Palm (8 February 1962 to 28 March 1973) and the Civil Actions Medal, First Class Color with Palm (1 January 1965 to 28 March 1973). The Secretary of the Navy has specifically authorized certain units of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, and United States Coast Guard to accept this award. The ribbon bar with frame and palm are authorized for wear by personnel who served with certain cited units in Southeast Asia during the approved periods. In addition to those specific ships/units cited, all United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, and United States Coast Guard personnel who served "in country" Vietnam during the eligibility periods are eligible for both awards.

Marksmanship Award: For proficiency in a particular type of small arm. A marksman, sharpshooter, or expert is a member in any rank, rate or rating who qualifies by firing the prescribed pistol or rifle over one of the service prescribed courses and has attained the minimum qualifying score. Marksmanship awards take precedence immediately after all other awards earned. A ¼ inch bronze “S” for sharpshooter or “E” for expert is worn on the suspension ribbon of the medal and on the ribbon bar for the award.