Drinking On Base
Back in the day, we'd hold "JO Retention Team" meetings at The Dive on SUBASE Groton. I wonder if boats are still doing those, and if they will be able to have them in the future following the upcoming review of on-base drinking ordered by the base commander (one of my old COs) in response to an incident reported in The Day:
Capt. Marc W. Denno, the base commander, said the incident did not set a good example for junior sailors.I've always thought it's better to drink on base than off if we're looking to control alcohol-related incidents -- keep the more inexperienced drinkers within walking distance of their racks. What do you think?
"That's probably why Command Master Chief Vatter decided it was in the best interest of everyone that he retire," he said. "We dealt with this quickly, at the appropriate level, and the effect was minimized."
According to a heavily redacted copy of the investigation, obtained by The Day through the Freedom of Information Act, Vatter drank seven or eight beers at a poker night May 18 at the Chief Petty Officers Club on the base. He and his wife then took a cab to the Wicked Pissa, the Gales Ferry bar formerly known as Legends Rock Bar.
While the names in the report were blanked out, witnesses told investigators that Vatter and his wife got into an argument and the couple began yelling and swearing at each other.
posted by Bubblehead at 8:42 AM
75 Comments:
The Mariner's Club location on NTC Orlando back in the day kept many of us out of the spotlight and safe. The wide sidewalk that lead from it to the barracks was a highway full of drunk commuters every Friday and Saturday night -- with never a fatality recorded.
11/16/2012 8:58 AM
I love the CPO Club in Groton, but it has long been the bastion of those old (and not so old) Chiefs who still think they can pound a few back after work and drive home. It's not a safe haven for young Sailors. It's a good-ole-boys club that promotes exactly the kind of irresponsible behavior that we've been working our butts off to discourage in young Sailors. And anyone there that thinks their Sailors don't know EXACTLY what's going on there is fooling themselves. Believe me- I know. I'm a served COB, getting ready to go do another boat tour and I've spent plenty of time talking to Sailors young and old about this. I agree- back in the day, enlisted clubs were great to keep our Sailors on base and safe. But the environment has changed. The only Sailors that want to drink on base are us old crusty guys that have to drive home when all is said and done. Just like standing DOOW on a boat- if you don't recognize the environment has changed, you're going to sink out or broach.
11/16/2012 9:22 AM
Vatter was, is, and always will be an A$$HOLE! He got off way too easy.
11/16/2012 9:31 AM
I am not kidding, they say it is way safer for you to drive drunk than walk drunk. They are more fatalities and injuries for a drunk walker than a driver. Right, you can walk right out in front of a car while being drunk. And how about stumbling and falling.
The advantages of walking is you very seldom kill or injure innocent people.
Overall the risk of death and injury is lower for driving home drunk....because walkers hurt themselves far more.
11/16/2012 10:31 AM
As Tom pointed out, wisdom is connected with retaining on limited, on-base drinking.
In my own experience, one of my submariner opponents in 4-wall handball matches during naval school in R.I suddenly dropped out of classes for the duration. How much did it cost the man, (his nose had been sliced off in some bar fight), much less our navy?
Later, at Mare Island, a carload of nonquals was hospitalized (also for the duration) by a drunk driver.
About a month earlier, one of our
younger crewmen had been killed in another wreck. The all-hands training that followed was the CHP's 'Defensive Driving' course supplemented by a graphic morgue photo our XO had borrowed of a man we had recently known.
The Brit's 'senior service' had well understood the wisdom of limited drinking by sailors. From 1756 until 1970, Royal Navy regulations provided for 'grog rations' on vessels at sea.
The U.S. Navy ended its rum ration on September 1, 1862.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grog
11/16/2012 10:32 AM
1 laylmonI served with Vatter on Columbia in PH. He was a good TM and a carismatic leader. However add booze and he was a nasty drunk, especially around his wife. Not sure if the woman in this incident is the same one from 1997.
11/16/2012 10:44 AM
Everyone has to learn to drink responsible. I was as guilty as everyone during my sub days in the 90s of drinking and driving. It just isn't acceptable anymore. That is everywhere, not just the Navy. Having said that, banning alcohol or going overboard isn't the answer. Punish those who cross the line criminally. But let those who get a cab or DD blow some steam. If they show up for duty sober and fit, what is the harm? These are sailors doing arduous duty. What they don't need is a witch hunt.
11/16/2012 11:35 AM
Vatter was allowed to retire and keeps his pension. A junior enlisted nuke at Groton caught doing the same thing would be masted and denuked, if not worse. The new current assumption is you are coming to the boat drunk every day, and have to prove otherwise by blowing into the Breathalyzer.
11/16/2012 11:58 AM
I spent many a night at Club Mariner in Orlando. Probably wasn't the smartest thing to do but the never carded me and I was 19 :)
Luckily I had roommates who liked to party because the nuke mantra back in the day was to nark on everyone.
Once I got to the boat, the fun changes to other activities and I'd worked the party life out of me.
I totally agree that having drinking on base is safer overall. Serve the low content beer on base and be done with it.
Guys would get less DUIs, less issues with local law enforcement, and I suspect many people would work it out of their systems rather than turning 21 on a boat and THEN they start the party life.
Don't think many would argue that most of the unplanned losses (at least on enlisted side) once people get to the fleet are alcohol related. DUIs, fights, etc have ruined many a nuke's career.
The officers had their college days to beat it out of them.
The NADSAP program was a joke.
11/16/2012 12:37 PM
Vatter almost did not make Chief because of the same behavior. I agree with the previous commment. He was and is a asshole and the Navy is better for him NOT being in it.
11/16/2012 1:05 PM
A ha ha ha, another kacki klad kocksucker bites the dust ah ha ha ha.... gee I wonder what the problem is? Not enough dickplate leadership? Tommy boy is was and always will be a grade A asshat! Fucking looser E-7/8/9 community you let us down on a daily basis go fuck yourselves in the Goat ass.
11/16/2012 3:10 PM
Take orders to anywhere in Japan today and enjoy living under a curfew! That's the solution for stopping problems in the Far East. Sounds like this might be a potential solution for fixing what the Groton Mafia cannot fix. They have a real problem up there and I'm not so sure they even know it.
11/16/2012 4:35 PM
We still had "JO retention meetings" at NSB Kings Bay as of 2011 when I left.
It was attended by lots of officers including the admiral.
Good times, lots of sea stories and joking around. Hopefully they don't make stuff like that stop.
11/16/2012 5:17 PM
The Dive is more a place where senior Officers and some wives who like to feel important hang out. This is mostly because of the severe penalties of violating any zero-tolerance drinking policies and being so close to the people who make the policies. You'd be hard pressed to find a JO who lives within walking distance.
Some commands do a dive meeting as an excuse to get out of work an hour or two early, but the party quickly disperses because it's one and done.
It'd be great if you could bring the O-club back to its glory days, but not in today's Navy, and not when you have to go drink with a bunch of O-5+ who spend more time than they should have to talking to everyone about not drinking and driving.
11/16/2012 5:37 PM
I have known Tommy since he was a first class, served on a boat with him when he was the cob, and was in his SQDN when he was the CMC of 12. Was he an ass ? You bet he was. Guess what else he was, a great leader. That guy would go to the ends of the earth to protect one of his people if they deserved it and once they were protected, he would kick their dick in. You E-7's (notice I did not call you chiefs) and sorry ass east coast sailors could learn a lot from him. Just because he wanted things done his way, you say he was a dick. Just because he liked to hoist a few, you say he is a bad example. I say that he is the type of person who can bring this sorry ass excuse for a submarine force back to where it once was.
11/16/2012 6:35 PM
Damn Joel! In the old days our Chief would take us to the MarBar for a chili and beer lunch. Little did we know how good we had it.
hagar
11/16/2012 8:20 PM
I have known Tommy for over 16 years. As a younger Sailor I too liked to have a few drinks and be loud. The problem is when we arrive to a position of responsiblity and are in the eyes of our Sailors, we should be able to adjust our actions. "We cannot control the wins but we can adjust our sails" has been a verse I have heard throughout my career. He should have changed somewhat because of his position. A base CMC where our Basic Submarine School is located. As for the issues he has had with his wife...she should have left him 16 years ago because no one deserves to be treated the way he treated her.
11/16/2012 8:51 PM
I have know Tommy and Jan for a long time now, they have the same problems everyone else have. They are a great couple together and will grow old with each other. Couples struggle and grow tighter with mistakes, they both have had thier share. I think the issues are with Tommy not Jan, so you should leave her out of your digs!
11/16/2012 9:30 PM
Once upon a time long long ago drinking and driving was accepted more. Get stopped by a cop and he most likely would ask you if you think you can make it home or take you to the station to chill out for a few hours.
The times have changed. Drinking an driving is one of the most irresponsible thinks you can do. mike mulligan @ 10:31 AM should be ashamed of himself for trying to make a case for it. May it be one of his loved ones (if he has any) that suffers at the hand of a drunk driver if he doesn't change his attitude.. Trying to convince someone it is okay to drive drunk is worse than the person stupid enough to listen to them. Hopefully everyone foolish enough to drive drunk gets tagged by law enforcement and suffers consequences severe enough to make them wish they hadn't; before they are the cause of a tragic accident.
john petersen @ 11:35 AM had a good post! Designated Drivers, or Taxi Cabs, or drinking at a place where there is no need to drive should be the order of the day. It is good to have someone to watch your back in case you are prone to drink to the extent you can no longer take care of yourself, like walking were you can become a pedestrian casualty.
I did my share of drinking and driving in my younger days. Now, after the first sip: no driving period. I made it an unbreakable rule.
Any one old enough to remember "Emergency 911" with William Shatner? That program really missed the mark as far as Drinking and Driving is concerned. It was a good program, but every emergency profiled had a happy ending. Each show should have profiled one DUI accident with a tragic ending. It could have done a lot for changing the mind set concerning drinking and driving.
I'm not opposed to someone having a drink and unwinding as long as they can do it responsibly, e.g. no drinking and driving, able to meet your all of your work responsibilities sober, and not prone to be an idiot drunk getting in fights and causing trouble. I actually see some value depending on the settings for building esprit de corps. I'll DD for anyone, but once they prove to be an idiot drunk; they are on their own after that 1st time.
"Emergency 911" didn't do it, so it is up to us to hold a hard attitude that shows no mercy to those stupid enough to drink and drive. And, I'm someone that likes to show mercy when I can. But, stupidity like drinking and driving deserves none. Drink and drive around me, and I'll treat you like the low life scum you are.
Stay safe!
ciao
11/17/2012 3:52 PM
I remember doing keg stands at the Enlisted club in Kings Bay. Was there for a dry-dock availability and spent a month partying on base and working port and starboard duty days.
11/17/2012 4:52 PM
NEWS: Hollywood's PC hyper unrealistic notions about boomers with Tomahawks, Trident missiles, SEALS, island conflicts with narco opportunists and chix with dix that routinely save the world in some fashion did not make the cut -- Last Resort has been cancelled.
What took so long?
11/17/2012 7:09 PM
Anon @ 11/16/2012 6:35 PM
You are probably the ass clown that spoke up before when this story first broke, The ass hat who said leave this guy alone he is a national hero!This Command Master Chief, like others before him have set us back to the stone age. Talk about not living the rules you enforce? If I recall correctly that last session turned into a Bangor bashing. Vatter got off easy! Groton, your killing the CPO community.
Serving COB
11/18/2012 3:52 AM
This doesn't surprise me at all. Most of the real good COBs have a drinking problem. They carry the weight of the command on thier shoulders. I have even been told as of friday, Kings Bay has a CMC who has been relieved here recently over alcohol. Let's add SARP screening to the COB qual card, we have everything else on the damn thing.
11/18/2012 4:37 AM
Vatter : Skinny dipping in Rock Lake on base after tying one on. Now he gets investigated? Please?! Another anchor at the bottom of the sea.
11/18/2012 5:25 AM
To Anon @ 4:37,
Really? The weight of the command on their shoulders? Well, grow a pair and carry on, Chief! Fix the problems and don't add to them. Stop your whining and lean forward. "I only drink and become abusive because I'm carrying the burden." WTF?
11/18/2012 5:40 AM
Anon @ 5:25 - Hey, I remember that story of a CMC skinny dipping at one of the lakes on base after getting drunk. Wow. This is the same guy. Sad.
11/18/2012 5:45 AM
Anon @ 11/18/2012 3:52 AM
Ass clown. Hmmm. I guess the truth hurts. Oh how the might do fall.
General Petraeus - What a great leader!
Whatever. He had an affair with someone his CHILDS AGE!
Great leaders make even greater mistakes. Therefore, THEY'RE AN ASS!
Or, as you prefer, "Ass Clown"
11/18/2012 5:51 AM
Oh. The Suggestatory JO Retention Meetings. I remember. XO to the Wardroom, "Everyone should go, but not required." Squadron's buying the keg. Or - The USS xxxxxxxx is buying the keg. Blah, Blah, Blah.
What's really going on:
Cut out of work early on Wednesday or Friday.
Toss down a few at the expense of someone else you could care less about.
And then drive home with a BAC above the legal limit. No mention of cabs or designated drivers.
But, Intrusive leadership tells us that we have to question the behaviors of the enlisted. What's a JO to do? Leave early!
11/18/2012 6:03 AM
A Chief Petty Officer shall not drink. However, if he should drink he shall not get drunk. If he should get drunk, he shall not stagger. And if he should stagger, he shall not fall. And if he should fall, he will fall in such a manner as to cover up his rank so that passerbyers will think he is an officer.
11/18/2012 6:49 AM
And to think there was a time where how much we drank wasn't measured in beers, but cases. Anyone who was in the Hill barracks (Animal House) in Pearl knows what I'm talking about.
But that being said, punishing the many for the transgressions of the few has pretty much always been the boat way (and Big Navy's way.) Not a big surprise. They don't know what to do about the few, so they screw over the many.
Frankly, I'd be surprised if half the base bars I knew 20 years ago are even still around (Beeman's, Andy's Hut/The Point, etc.) Problem is, we're dealing with a legal (of age) product and if someone isn't going to Beeman's/wherever, they're going to go off base and pound them down, then try to drive, no buddy system, no designated driver, etc. That's the scary part.
What? Last Resort got cancelled? Guess I was right--it didn't even make the 8-episode threshold of that other steaming pile, "Supercarrier." Color me shocked.
11/18/2012 7:19 AM
BDW, chiefs are too fat to be mistaken for officers.
11/18/2012 7:59 AM
^^^^^
HAHA... its funny because its usually true!
11/18/2012 9:30 AM
Back in the day, Purple Jesus parties at the barracks at the Pearl Subase--play volleyball and drink until "sleep" overcomes you, then get back into the game when you wake up. The only legit breaks were for food, head calls, and duty.
11/18/2012 3:49 PM
Spent lots of time in liberty ports with no car, and had the duty driver to pick us up from bar to bar. Maybe that's the answer for DUI prevention, but if you can't act civil while you're drunk, then don't drink. CMC got what he deserved.
11/18/2012 6:32 PM
That's right, I said ass clown, if you are one of the "right side" of the bar gang or divine nines, your reign is coming to an end. Take note the CPO club on base should and will be shut down here soon. Most of the Chiefs here in Groton are tired of the Master Chief Mafia. Once you retire, you should depart the pattern, not live through the club like your still mkaing decisions. Hell, still have "dining ins" where retirees are in uniform drunk off their asses? WTF? Your retired!
11/18/2012 6:32 PM
^^^^^^
Be careful what you say, the powers to be are more powerful than you think. I escaped to Bangor with my anchors intact and thankful to be out of Groton. Park a couple of Groton's finest out side the Chiefs Club on a Friday and the issue of the old regime will take care of itself. Next year ther will be a complete change out, the Group CMC will be new FORCM, new SUBASE CMC already imbedded. Sub School has some cred, and the Goat Locker has some high visibility, might be safe to return!
11/18/2012 6:56 PM
The Master Chief Mafia.
Think about that for a moment. The use of the word "Mafia." Is this supposed to be impressive? Or just intimidating? The power of this self imposed group of individuals needs to be eradicated. Especially in Groton.
And on to the self-important and self-serving O5 and above lap dogs (this includes the O4 suck ups waiting for their chance to reign). You, too, need to be removed. Listen to your juniors, work for the men and lead with honor.
11/18/2012 7:37 PM
Anon who made this great statement:
And on to the self-important and self-serving O5 and above lap dogs (this includes the O4 suck ups waiting for their chance to reign). You, too, need to be removed. Listen to your juniors, work for the men and lead with honor.
11/18/2012 7:37 PM
Let's check the less than memorable events for COBs and CMCs in the last few years:
(1) One COB decides to steal a box of ammo, swims across a river.
(2) Another decides to perform date night with a midshipmen and discredit the whole midshipman ops for the submarine force.
(3)This guy decides to haze a junior petty officer in a van full of senior enlisted.
(4) This one gets shit-housed and sings the submarine song on a bus full of british females.
(5) Several drunken COBs and CMCs leading by example;either slapping their drunk wives or driving under the influence!
(6) Last but not least, several CMC's who think the command pin they wear really means command. So they make command decision and keep that info from their respective COs? How did that work out?
So when we bash O-gangers we shoud do the math before we start the allegations.
Whoever made the comment "weight of the command on their shoulders" is a moron. Senior enlisted are in place to perform the janitorial duties that need to be done. The "feel good" jobs and pats on the back, never forget it! Get real!
Serving DH
11/19/2012 3:47 AM
Should we start tabulating the transgressions of O-gangers to see that it's not really an officer or enlisted thing?
Rather than get into an E vs O pissing match the question is what's the problem and how to fix it as adults.
Of course Big Navy will just put more childish requirement in place as a stop gap and piss of the ranks even more. And then wonder why people leave....
11/19/2012 8:11 AM
Hey "leaders," why do junior sailors drink off base?
BECAUSE YOUR STUPID BULLSHIT HAS MADE THEIR JOBS AND THEIR LIVES MISERABLE. Almost to a man, they despise their profession. The only guys who stay nowadays are the ones dumb enough to marry.
So they despise their jobs, and despise any reminder of the life they're "living," see drinking as an escape, and sure as hell don't want to drink with you.... what the hell do you think is going to happen?
A road trip to Providence or Hartford or New Haven, that's what. An hour-long drive back to base at 3am, with maybe a stop to try to sleep it off in a parking lot. When the mental health options are that or suicide, well...
So there's a "no questions asked" hotline to call for a ride? Yeah - no questions asked. As long ago as ten years ago we could see a squared away junior guy self-report because he wanted to get a handle on his drinking, and then get masted for underage drinking when the Navy finishes cleaning him up. Yeah, way to support your junior guys. Stuff like that happens all the time, and submariners are a smart bunch. If you use the hotlines, if you avail yourself of the open door, you WILL get fucked by sanctimonious drunks like the senior enlisted clowns who post here.
I got out about three years ago after more than a decade, and thank God every day that I did. I loved my job, but I see what the junior Chiefs right now, the guys I went to school ith and grew up with, I see what they are having to deal with, and how they get their dicks flattened the second they try to do the right thing and help their guys, and I recognize that being a submarine Chief just isn't worth it. Being a submariner at all isn't worth it. The senior leadership - enlisted AND officer - is atrocious. And I never even saw that reality until I got a real job, and saw how real managers get things done, under budget, on time, and with happy team members.
You guys think this job is more special or harder than all of the others. You're wrong. The only reason it's as hard as it is is because you make it hard on yourselves. Quit being stupid - or better yet, just retire and go mow your lawn.
11/19/2012 8:27 AM
First off to those who keep bashing Groton, you give us way too much credit, put on you big girl panties and your boomer pins and step away from the cool aid. We wouldn’t want to see your cherry red lip prints on the ass cheeks of all the other tea totalers out there.
Just in case I missed any of you E-7’s/8’s/9’s ….ditto.
I love how there are idiots out there who continue to bash, the Right Side, the Master Chief Mafia, The Groton CPO community or bring up the retiree’s. Is it envy, and are you really just a weak ass sally? I mean, I was brought up in a Navy that if something wasn’t right or bothered you, you did something about, you didn’t whine about it, “that’s why I don’t go to the club” or “you are killing the CPO Community.”
I got a news flash for you ass clowns, the CPO community is degrading because some of you won’t step up to the plate, “Oh the MC Mafia, or the Right Side,” grow a pair and step up sally, you freaken losers. To all the outside this AOR bashers, clean up your own back yard you hypocrites.
To the DH who posted about the "weight of the command on their shoulders" is a moron. I agree, it all started when they put shoulder boards on SDB white shirts, I’m surprised we stopped there and didn’t go to gold chin straps, but the “enlisted are in place to perform the janitorial duties that need to be done.” For that comment you can blow me.
11/19/2012 8:44 AM
Only one person has the burden of command -- The CO! To say any differently is completely ridiculous.
If you disagree, you obviously have never been a CO!
- served CO (SSN)
11/19/2012 9:04 AM
Unless you have an incompetent CO.
Then the Wardroom and the Chief's Quarters have to carry the load (and the CO's happy arse) day-to-day.
But, this is for a whole different blog topic.
11/19/2012 9:36 AM
To Anon @ 8:44
"I got a news flash for you ass clowns, the CPO community is degrading because some of you won’t step up to the plate, “Oh the MC Mafia, or the Right Side,” grow a pair and step up sally, you freaken losers. To all the outside this AOR bashers, clean up your own back yard you hypocrites."
Well, I'm inside this AOR and there is an ongoing problem within the Chief Community. But, let's just look at Tommy. He is the reason for the current topic. If you go through The Day article posted above, his drinking issues are spelled out over a long period of time. So, did anyone (or did you) grow a pair and fix your shipmate? No. It continued until he had an episode off base. Now, the dirty underwear was raised up the flag pole for everyone to see. Otherwise stated, the MC Mafia's "big girl panties" were hoisted up the flag pole for the general public to view.
So swallow your own pill and fix your hypocrisy.
11/19/2012 9:54 AM
Serving DH said
"Whoever made the comment "weight of the command on their shoulders" is a moron. Senior enlisted are in place to perform the janitorial duties that need to be done. The "feel good" jobs and pats on the back, never forget it! Get real!"
From a guy who wore a command pin, I wholehartedly agree...sort of. I would say rather that the CMDCM community is completely full of itself and has ruined what a Chief really is- a technical expert with a shitload of real world experience. In fact all of the crap that I did when I wore the command pin was to babysit and close the leadership gap between experienced officers and inexperienced Chiefs. We have taken responsibilities that should rest upon officers and in a misplaced attempt to be more relevant claimed them as ours.
We should be experts as what we do-technically. The Navy spent years teaching us how to be great at our jobs and we aspire to not do them? What crap.
Some Chiefs focus on their technical expertise, the leadership is a result of experience not the Senior Enlisted Academy. Some Chiefs have it right, others drink the kool aid.
The system is what it is now, and much as I don't like it we know need those kool aid drinkers to run the day to day.
As for This guy. He drank the Kool Aid (as well as the beer), but he did a hell of job while he was doing it. I served with him when he was a COB and he did a good job. He was a no bullshit guy. Most complaints that I have heard about him have to do with him busting someones balls, but he knew how to do it without ruining someone's career.
Here we are ruining a guys career because he is a pain in the ass when he is drunk while he is at home. I think that the only reason that we should ruin anyones career is when they cant do their job AT SEA, where they are a warfighter. When you can't help put weapons on target (even if its by boiling water to push the boat), then goodbye. Other than that, take some money, slap him on the wrists and move on.
This drinking thing is a bunch of crap. All of you prima-donna's get off your high horse. We all have faults. 20+ years in the Navy actually magnifies them. If you think that Tommy was a hypocrite, that he stuck it to Sailors because they drank, then you have a leg to stand on. I don't think that. I think that he took care of his guys and he took care of buisiness in such a way as not to ruin careers. Leave his personal life out of it.
And BTW..Denno is a good guy, but he's no tea totaler either.
Finally...to the Serving DH, you sound like a Chop (even if you aren't). One day some Chief will bail your ass out of something and you may remember that statement. In fact, you can be bailed out by anyone, a seaman, a third class, even (God forbid) and Ensign. Even as a DH, Tommy Vatter was serving his country when you were in grade school- Have some damn respect for service. Your college degree doesnt give you the right to denegrete someone.
To the Served CO
Well said Sir, we may have felt a "burden" but it is and can never be the burden of command.
11/19/2012 7:00 PM
My impression of Chiefs is that they are more "Poker players in residence" than either Technical leadership OR "taking on things that the Officers do". In fact, I would say that in my experience the Officers are generally taking over shit that Chiefs ought to be doing, while the Chief's Mess is more concerned with ensuring they only stand watch twice a week.
11/19/2012 8:24 PM
Hey Shooter - if you read this blog, here's to a great career. Sorry it ended this way for you. I have good memories of the WestPac midwatch thanks to you. Still have a photo of you holding a "killer" sign in the control room the night before we went live. Classic.
11/19/2012 8:37 PM
Thank God we are closing this blog out! I am so sick and tired of hearing about how Goroton drags everyone down! To Tommy, "Thanks for the Service". We are about to close out the real leaders and not in a good way. In a perfect world, you should have stayed at sea, things are easier. To the hypocrites and investigators, I am sure the next guy we put at the Groton Subase CMC position will fear making a mistake, so you PIO's will have to dig deeper. To the Goat Locker and CPO club, I wish we could turn back the clock and Kim could serve us one while we did real business. I got more done with a handshake and a beer than I ever did filling out some bullshit 2k. I will hate to see the mugs come down, I am sure that day is coming. The end is near, nurse prep the operating room, we are removing the Submarine Force's backbone!
Navy Chief!!!
Dueces!
11/20/2012 3:55 AM
I remember the E-Club at Subase Pearl was right across the street from the enlisted high rise barracks. In short, it was a short stagger across the street to your rack.
11/20/2012 10:24 AM
Tommy Vatter: A drunk with a Napolean complex. Went out like a fool, should have been busted 10 years go.
11/21/2012 8:38 AM
^^^^^^
concur with above statement. The little emperor talked the talk, but when it came to walking the walk he was unable to do so drunk and naked. I guess it took him acting a fool outside the confines of the Goat Locker for him to brought before the old man. Alright, who's next. There are plenty here in Groton to take his place. They never leave and anyone who goes up against the evil empire get exiled to Kings Bay or Bangor. I bet they right ride or the bar is glad this blog has been kicked to the curb by the "Delaware".
11/21/2012 5:36 PM
Thanks to the Master Chief for his 26 years of service, it's pretty clear he did some tough jobs, and did them very well. Unfortunately, he seems to have been his own worst enemy in the end. The days of stopping off at the CPO club for a beer or 4 with the guys and driving home, 3 days a week, are (thankfully) a thing of the past. It's been a number of years since I left Groton, but from everything I've heard since then, I'm glad I left. Hopefully I can avoid going back. Ever.
11/21/2012 8:50 PM
Oh, and to the DH with the high horse: Get over yourself. The Navy just fired its 24th Commanding Officer for the year. 24!!! And the axe hasn't even fallen on Montpelier's CO yet. Anyone else think we can hit 27 by New Year's Eve?? The CPO community has had it's share of black eyes in the last two or three years, but don't for a second act like the Officer community is faring any better.
11/21/2012 8:56 PM
Standby for the USS California....
11/22/2012 10:30 AM
781 is in good shape. Their COB quit drinking awhile back FYI...At least I hope he is still off the sauce. Great guy.
11/25/2012 6:32 AM
You have got to be kidding me?...
11/25/2012 7:26 AM
If they're in "great shape" I'd hate to see a boat that's having a rough time...
11/25/2012 8:16 AM
I am amazed that we still have these problems when we have such stellar leadership at the Squadron, Group and FORCM positions. Obviosly these dastardly MCPO's are hiding this all from these steely eyed CMCs? How about we issue these rules...You have two or more COBs in your squadron get relieved you get to drive them to the airport with your bags packed. Hmmm, I might be on to something. Our current plan for leadership rule and training has not faired too well. Maybe we can wait till all of the holier than thou Master Chiefs can retire?Thats a plan. Its sort of like Hope! Or we can allow the CO's and CDREs to start picking the COBs and CMCs. We wouldn't have these problems!
TSSBP!!!
11/25/2012 7:38 PM
Half you numb nut nukes fail to realize the whole reason you’re pushin’ back aft, is for the Torpedo Tubes up forward. While many of you weak minded, self-centered, golden-children nukes criticize and whine about having it so tough, Torpedomen like Tommy Vatter covered your “always-has an-excuse-nuke” ass while you were crying in the corner accepting outrageous nuke bonuses and pro-pay for doing only ONE job – and that was taking logs. TM’s have always had to pick up your slack ass’s, bust ass twice as much as you, and outperform you singlehandedly, while having every collateral duty on the boat. That’s why they are talented and can do anything. So go drink a tall glass of shut the hell up, and have some damn respect for the service of the man, and where he came from. Then go tell a TM your sorry for being such a bitch, he’ll understand.
11/27/2012 11:27 AM
Half you numb nut nukes fail to realize the whole reason you’re pushin’ back aft, is for the Torpedo Tubes up forward. While many of you weak minded, self-centered, golden-children nukes criticize and whine about having it so tough, Torpedomen like Tommy Vatter covered your “always-has an-excuse-nuke” ass while you were crying in the corner accepting outrageous nuke bonuses and pro-pay for doing only ONE job – and that was taking logs. TM’s have always had to pick up your slack ass’s, bust ass twice as much as you, and outperform you singlehandedly, while having every collateral duty on the boat. That’s why they are talented and can do anything. So go drink a tall glass of shut the hell up, and have some damn respect for the service of the man, and where he came from. Then go tell a TM your sorry for being such a bitch, he’ll understand.
11/27/2012 11:28 AM
Half you numb nut nukes fail to realize the whole reason you’re pushin’ back aft, is for the Torpedo Tubes up forward. While many of you weak minded, self-centered, golden-children nukes criticize and whine about having it so tough, Torpedomen like Tommy Vatter covered your “always-has an-excuse-nuke” ass while you were crying in the corner accepting outrageous nuke bonuses and pro-pay for doing only ONE job – and that was taking logs. TM’s have always had to pick up your slack ass’s, bust ass twice as much as you, and outperform you singlehandedly, while having every collateral duty on the boat. That’s why they are talented and can do anything. So go drink a tall glass of shut the hell up, and have some damn respect for the service of the man, and where he came from. Then go tell a TM your sorry for being such a bitch, he’ll understand.
11/27/2012 11:28 AM
Half you numb nut nukes fail to realize the whole reason you’re pushin’ back aft, is for the Torpedo Tubes up forward. While many of you weak minded, self-centered, golden-children nukes criticize and whine about having it so tough, Torpedomen like Tommy Vatter covered your “always-has an-excuse-nuke” ass while you were crying in the corner accepting outrageous nuke bonuses and pro-pay for doing only ONE job – and that was taking logs. TM’s have always had to pick up your slack ass’s, bust ass twice as much as you, and outperform you singlehandedly, while having every collateral duty on the boat. That’s why they are talented and can do anything. So go drink a tall glass of shut the hell up, and have some damn respect for the service of the man, and where he came from. Then go tell a TM your sorry for being such a bitch, he’ll understand.
11/27/2012 11:29 AM
Half you numb nut nukes fail to realize the whole reason you’re pushin’ back aft, is for the Torpedo Tubes up forward. While many of you weak minded, self-centered, golden-children nukes criticize and whine about having it so tough, Torpedomen like Tommy Vatter covered your “always-has an-excuse-nuke” ass while you were crying in the corner accepting outrageous nuke bonuses and pro-pay for doing only ONE job – and that was taking logs. TM’s have always had to pick up your slack ass’s, bust ass twice as much as you, and outperform you singlehandedly, while having every collateral duty on the boat. That’s why they are talented and can do anything. So go drink a tall glass of shut the hell up, and have some damn respect for the service of the man, and where he came from. Then go tell a TM your sorry for being such a bitch, he’ll understand.
11/27/2012 11:29 AM
You can say that again.
11/27/2012 1:52 PM
Is the TM above for real. We should put directions out on how to log a post.
11/27/2012 6:42 PM
Ok, I was only reading until the Submarine spokesperson spoke up and destroyed what TM pride there was. First off, Tommy Vatter was a great COB but he failed to remember where he came from. I am sure it was written in his charge book somewhere at least once. Second, no one should feel they should defend him, he made his rack and now he lies in it. Third, until we shut down the "drink till you can't walk" club, no junior petty officer in his right mind will ever aspire to be a MCPO or a COB. I know half of my quarters says no way. Take a second and review the creed. Stop the T.V. bashing and look around. Check your egos and take care of the people who look up to you. I guarantee you do that and it will just be CO's we see fired from here on out.
Groton area Chief and proud of it!
11/27/2012 6:50 PM
Anon who lost his mind and said this:
"Anonymous said...
Half you numb nut nukes fail to realize the whole reason you’re pushin’ back aft, is for the Torpedo Tubes up forward. "
HAHAHAHAHA! That was great and it was posted more than once. He really was a TM! Great job, you make everyone else look great!What a dumas! Please be a COB and I hope you read this!
11/27/2012 6:53 PM
Half you numb nut nukes fail to realize the whole reason you’re pushin’ back aft, is for the Torpedo Tubes up forward. While many of you weak minded, self-centered, golden-children nukes criticize and whine about having it so tough, Torpedomen like Tommy Vatter covered your “always-has an-excuse-nuke” ass while you were crying in the corner accepting outrageous nuke bonuses and pro-pay for doing only ONE job – and that was taking logs. TM’s have always had to pick up your slack ass’s, bust ass twice as much as you, and outperform you singlehandedly, while having every collateral duty on the boat. That’s why they are talented and can do anything. So go drink a tall glass of shut the hell up, and have some damn respect for the service of the man, and where he came from. Then go tell a TM your sorry for being such a bitch, he’ll understand.
11/27/2012 9:03 PM
Wow! A Master Chief is kicked out for having beers, not driving drunk (took a cab), and having an argument with his wife. Geez, those are some pretty serious charges - he definitely should have lost his retirement for that. Makes me look forward to being a CO. God help the kid that shows up to the boat with Irish Pennants - I'll have to bust him down a notch and restrict him to the boat for at least 2 weeks. What the #*%$ is this outfit coming to?
11/28/2012 11:55 AM
^^^^^^^
Chop, I'll tell you what its come down to. It's all about being responsible and a role model. But I am sure you will figure it out.
11/28/2012 3:05 PM
Half you numb nut nukes fail to realize the whole reason you’re pushin’ back aft, is for the Torpedo Tubes up forward. While many of you weak minded, self-centered, golden-children nukes criticize and whine about having it so tough, Torpedomen like Tommy Vatter covered your “always-has an-excuse-nuke” ass while you were crying in the corner accepting outrageous nuke bonuses and pro-pay for doing only ONE job – and that was taking logs. TM’s have always had to pick up your slack ass’s, bust ass twice as much as you, and outperform you singlehandedly, while having every collateral duty on the boat. That’s why they are talented and can do anything. So go drink a tall glass of shut the hell up, and have some damn respect for the service of the man, and where he came from. Then go tell a TM your sorry for being such a bitch, he’ll understand.
11/29/2012 1:19 PM
Senior leadership, whether Senior Enlisted or Senior Officer, has a lot of maturing to do. Hopefully, women on boomers will help speed the process up. Women will not put up with the BS that's gone on for decades (unchecked) for long. Thy may be the only saving grace for the Sub Force.
11/30/2012 8:31 PM
Leave it to a TM to post over and over and over again to kill a blog. "If you keep pushing the button, it'll eventually work, right?". Good God.
12/03/2012 8:59 PM
Part of the story they won't tell you about (redacted) the "Vatter naked in the Lake" incident is the base MAA's (junior personnel) who told him to cease and desist were told in no uncertain terms that "He is the damn base Master Chief. What are they going to do about it. Nothing". So they carried their Junior Sailor butts back to the base police station full of pride and respect for the CPO community and sent out one of the Civilian cops who give a shit less that he was the base CMC. The civilian base cop was told the same thing so he promptly put it into the police logs....which are provided to the base CO and the Admiral in charge of all the bases. Later that week Vatter is no longer the CMC because of this incident. The "Wicked Pissa" incident just added to the issue.
Good on him for 26 years of service. Bad on him for tarnishing the reputation of senior leadership and not understanding that the world has changed.
12/04/2012 1:22 PM
A prime example of a product of the best functional alcoholics. Vatter was trained by the best bunch of good ole' boys. I'm talking about the ones that only a few know the real reason for their sudden retirements.
Vatter was the product of the work hard play hard generation that continuously overlooked his antics because he got the job done. Of course it was that same mentality that Vatter continued to believe made him invincible.
12/26/2012 11:40 PM
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