the Navy came aboard and visited our ship. upon his arrival his position was announced but my question is, why we were asked to give a hand salute when in all actuality he is still an enlisted man and not a commissioned officer?
2007-11-23 11:07:31 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
You should have not saluted him. An enlisted man is only saluted as part of a watch station (eg, Petty Officer of the Deck when coming aboard). A common misconception is Medal of Honor winners are saluted, when in actuality it is the Medal itself being saluted. An enlisted man is never Saluted by virtue of rank or position.
Though it is common in retirement ceremonies for the retiring enlisted man be saluted after being "relieved of the watch".
2007-11-23 12:33:41 · answer #1 · answered by Think for yourself 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An enlisted saluting an enlisted is not the norm, but saluting the MCPON would be a courtesy.
I am now retired and I feel quite comfortable saluting ANY military man or woman. I was at a funeral today for a soldier (Sgt Derek Banks) who was injured by an IED and lived 3 weeks fighting his injuries. I ride with a group (Patriot Guard Riders) that do that. While we were waiting for the funeral service to conclude, a young man in civvies stopped in the street to inquire as to what the Patriot Guard was. I was the first to greet him. He told me he was a U.S. Marine. I snapped to attention and rendered a salute and said, "Marine! Thank you for serving our country."
He seemed embarrassed. I am a retired enlisted, saluting an active duty enlisted (regardless of his pay grade). It was a courtesy, as well as an honor for me to be able to do it.
I don't see why you would have a problem rendering a courtesy salute to the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy.
(USN, retired/proud Patriot Guard Rider)
2007-11-23 14:39:48 · answer #2 · answered by AmericanPatriot 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he came aboard alone, the crew should not have rendered a hand salute. But, I suspect he was not alone and was accompanied by some flag grade officer who was either a squadron commander or commander of a major command like Naval Forces, Europe. Every time I see the MCPON on "Navy Marine Corps News" I see a lot of brass escorting him around.
2007-11-23 13:46:17 · answer #3 · answered by desertviking_00 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is "Command Master Chief of the Navy" 3 stars in the insignia. I know a retired squid....I mean Command Master Chief, I shall ask him. Not today, but will the next time I see him. He is very sensitive when I sniff the air for fishy odor.
We used to do a half salute (chest level) as a joke sometimes. Not if an Officer could see it though.
SSG US Army 73-82
2007-11-23 11:20:32 · answer #4 · answered by Stand-up philosopher. It's good to be the King 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The salute is a military greeting. Therefore anyone in the military can be saluted. Anyone rising to the level of MCPON deserves a salute. Personally I would rather salute a Master Chief than a 90 day wonder.
2007-11-24 10:13:28 · answer #5 · answered by Tincan Navy 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋