FRIDAY FOTO (April 5, 2013)

Hail to the Chiefs

(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Todd Frantom

We know this kind of photo is a cliche, but we just love the bland expression on this Navy chief’s face as these beautiful Springfield 1903 rifles — with fixed bayonets — sail over him. We also love the chief’s cutlass. Haven’t seen anything like that on a modern day sailor since the river battle scene in “The San Pebbles”  (See photo below)

This week’s Friday Foto shows the Navy celebrating 120 years of the chief petty officer rank during an April 1 ceremony at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington. D.C. The chief petty officer rank was created in 1893 and Navy chiefs have been leading sailors ever since. We wonder who yelled at the blue jackets and told them to shape up before 1893.

The role and duties of a master chief — and the tradition behind them — are outlined in this interesting column from the Washington Times.

Please click on both photos to enlarge image.