CPO Initiations late-1960s Joe Lalley was assigned to NARTU NAS Norfolk, Va. when he made Chief Yeoman in April 1968. He was notified of his selection two months before he was advanced. During that time he carried a charge book, memorized the Chief’s Creed and performed various tasks and personal services for the CPO mess. All the pre-initiation activities were kept behind closed doors--never in front of the crew. Lalley’s charge book listed all his “short comings and offenses” that were used to determine fines on initiation day. Each time he failed to comply with an order from a chief he was fined. Many of the chiefs at his initiation were WWII veterans. He ended up being fined about $100 which went towards the initiation costs. He was given a CPO hat and collar devices during initiation. Later he received a cup and certificate from the CPO mess to remember the day. Lalley was also given $50 of his money back. Joe Lalley retired in 1979 after serving as the second Naval Reserve Force Master Chief from August 1975 through August 1976 30.
Photgraph from Joe Lalley collectionJ
Master Chief Petty of the Force (MCPOF) and Master Chief Petty of the Command (MCPOC) titles were later changed to Force Master Chief FORCM) and Command Master Chief. (CMDCM)
Photgraph from Joe Lalley collectionJ
Joe Lalley was appointed Chief Yeoman in April 1968. Later he served as the second Force Master Chief Petty Officer of the Naval Reserve 1975-76.
1960 CPO Initiation The first meal in the CPO Mess was an event to remember.
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