USS Chief MCM-14
The USS CHIEF MCM-14 is named for the former USS CHIEF AM-315, and to honor the service and
tradition of the Chief Petty Officer's of the United States Navy. USS CHIEF MCM-14 was christened by Mrs. Susan Bushey
(the wife of the seventh Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy MCPON Dwayne Bushey) on 12 June 1993. Construction and
fitting-out was done in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, and the ship was accepted from Mr. Ellsworth Peterson on behalf of the
United States Navy, and placed in commission by Lieutenant Commander
Timothy S. Garrold, USN, her first Commanding Officer, on 8 July 1994.
Adm. Boorda's remarks at the USS Chief MCM-14 Commissioning 5 Nov 94
Crest of the USS Chief MCM-14
Navy blue and gold are the traditional colors of the United States
Navy. The mine in the center of the shield represents the mine
countermeasures mission of the CHIEF, while the crossed officer's sword
and enlisted cutlass symbolize surface warfare excellence. The fouled
navy anchor, insignia of a Chief Petty Officer, is further symbolic of
the United States Navy's leadership. The three silver stars above the fouled anchor
depict the leadership and service of the Master Chief Petty Officers
of the Navy (MCPON) - past, present, and future, and honor the ship's
sponsor. The stars are also arranged in the same manner about the
anchor as the International Navigational Symbol for lights and shapes
about the mast; signifying a vessel engaged in mine clearance
operations. There are 84 links in the fouled anchor chain, one for
each Plankowner and the ship's Sponsor and Matron of Honor. The
trident atop the crest denotes sea power. The blue and white surface
from which it rises represents both the sea upon which the ship will
serve, and the waters of Sturgeon Bay and Lake Michigan, upon which the
ship was born. Surrounding the trident are seven stars representing
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. The
five above the trident are for World War Two, and the two alongside for
the Korean War.
Ships Motto: "HONOR, TRADITION, VALOR"
Additional information about the USS CHIEF MCM-14
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