Personal Statement: Third Class Petty Officer

I first worked with JP while stationed aboard the CGC CHASE in 2003. At the time, he was a Third Class Petty Officer working for the Main Propulsion Division (Main Prop) and I was the Auxiliary Division Chief. I soon realized JP was the “go to” person for all things main prop including helping me with my watch stander qualifications and main prop systems’ drawings. It is unusual for a third class petty officer to possess the level of maturity and work ethic as he did and as a result, junior members and senior members alike sought him out for both his expertise and mentorship.

Within the year, JP advanced to Second Class Petty Officer and with his advancement came more responsibilities including qualifying as a Throttleman watch stander as

well as acting in the lead Petty Officer role on several high level main prop projects like boiler tube punching and evaporator maintenance and cleaning. It was also during this time that JP took on a position as an Engineering Training Team Member (ETT). Reserved for the most competent, professional, and responsible engineers, ETT members train other engineers casualty and damage control procedures.

I left USCGC CHASE in 2005 but stayed in touch with JP through his various units and positions held as well as his advancement to First Class Petty Officer. We finally met up again in 2015 where I heard my co-workers praise JPs high standards, motivation, and ability to meet the challenges of Engineer Petty Officer (EPO) at Station Rio Vista. In fact, my co-worker appreciates JP’s technical excellence, personal responsibility and considers him an ultimate professional.