We, the members of the Patuxent River Chief Petty Officers Association, in order to:  promote, foster and develop superior enlisted leadership skills and abilities; increase and encourage   opportunities to aid each other in professional growth; provide a forum for the discussion of problems, requirements and goals; use our individual and collective leadership skills in ways that will strengthen the chain of command and build a superior level of confidence in senior enlisted leadership, do hereby establish this association.  We, in turn, enjoy the privileges, responsibilities and rights commensurate with the Chief Petty Officers that have served before us, and shall ensure our professional and personal demeanor is such as to guarantee those same rights, privileges and responsibilities for those who follow us.  We, both jointly and severally affirming that we are proud to bear the title of  “THE CHIEF” and striving to place the reputation and core values embodied in that title above our own personal interests, declare this to be the Preamble to the constitution of the Patuxent River Chief Petty Officers Association.

Mission, Vision, Guiding Principles 

Mission 

 Provide leadership to the Enlisted Force and advice to Navy leadership to create combat-ready Naval Forces.

Vision 

 A senior enlisted force that serves first and foremost as Deck-plate Leaders committed to developing Sailors and enforcing standards; remains responsive, aligned and well-connected to both Leadership and Sailors; and conducts itself in a consistently professional, ethical and traditional manner.

Guiding Principles 

Deck-plate Leadership – Chiefs are visible leaders who set the tone. We will know the mission, know our Sailors, and develop them beyond their expectations as a team and as individuals.

Institutional and Technical Expertise - Chiefs are the experts in their field. We will use experience and technical knowledge to produce a well trained enlisted and officer team.

Professionalism – Chiefs will actively teach, uphold, and enforce standards.  We will measure ourselves by the success of our Sailors.  We will remain invested in the Navy through self-motivated military and academic education and training and will provide proactive solutions that are well founded, thoroughly considered, and linked to mission accomplishment.

Character – Chiefs abide by an uncompromising code of integrity, take full responsibility for their actions and keep their word.  This will set a positive tone for the command, unify the Mess, and create esprit de corps.

Loyalty – Chiefs remember that loyalty must be demonstrated to seniors, peers and subordinates alike, and that it must never be blind.  Few things are more important than people who have the moral courage to question the appropriate direction in which an organization is headed and then the strength to support whatever final decisions are made.

Active Communication – Chiefs encourage open and frank dialog, listen to Sailors and energize the communication flow up and down the chain of command.  This will increase unit efficiency, mission readiness, and mutual respect.

Sense of Heritage – Defines our past and guides our future.  Chiefs will use heritage to connect Sailors to their past, teach values and enhance pride in service to our country.