Each military branch of the United States has its own cultures, language, and traditions. In the Navy, the Chief Petty Officer serves a dual role as both a technical expert and as a leader; emphasis being more on leadership. There is always a sense of humor that comes from this culture. For the Navy, I find the more ingenious humor typically involves a CPO.
Enjoy this Navy Friday Funny.
A Navy Chief Petty Officer was overseeing an UNREP work party aboard USS Kitty Hawk during a Westpac cruise.
Seeing no additional stores being transferred from the Ocean Escort ship, one of the sailors asked the Chief if they were finished. He was ready to return to his poker game. Another sailor chimed in, “I think we’ve completed the task, Chief.”
The Chief, knowing these two shipmates were both deprived of sleep because of their late-night poker games, casually strolled over to address their questions. He had his “Chief face” on.
“Do you know the difference between ‘completed’ and ‘finished’?”
Neither shipmate spoke up, fearing they’d be reassigned to another work party.
“Let me explain it to you in terms you can understand.
“When you marry the right woman, you are ‘Complete.’ If you marry the wrong woman, you are ‘Finished.”
The Chief looked both sailors up and down before continuing.
“If the right woman catches you with the wrong woman, you are ‘Completely Finished.’
“Understood?”
Both sailors answered simultaneously, “Yes, Chief!”
The work party continued unloading the supplies from the UNREP. No one dared question the Chief again.
Andy Adkins is a US Navy veteran (’73-77) and the author of several books. His newest novel, NEVER FORGET, is the story of A Vietnam Veteran’s Journey for Redemption & Forgiveness. NEVER FORGET is offered as a FREE (PDF, eBook format) download. Adkins also writes a weekly blog, “A Veteran’s Journey.”