U.S. Navy, MCC (SW/AW/IW), Retired.
M.A. Television, Radio, and Film, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communication, Syracuse University, 2026
The Chief’s Mess Shirt
A mess is a group of military personnel, often the same paygrade, in which they dine and socialize together. By 1893, a new mess was created with the establishment of the Chief Petty Officer paygrade. One of their first tasks was to care for the goats.
In the early days of the U.S. Navy, Goats were kept onboard ships as a food source. They were the only animals that could adapt to life onboard ships. Even after goats were no longer used as a food source, they were still kept on board as pets/mascots for good luck. They were cared for in the same spaces the Chiefs berthed at. Hence the name “Goat Locker”
Eventually, goats did leave the ship, but the name “Goat Locker” took on a new meaning. It is the one place senior enlisted personnel could gather to discuss ship’s morale, personnel qualifications, and operational readiness, handling issues at the lowest level. The Chiefs themselves became known as “old goats,” often demonstrating wisdom and knowledge to keep mission readiness steady and true.
Enlisted Associations Shirt
On military installations, enlisted personnel would tend to form an association. This is a group, usually within the same military paygrade, with a common purpose. To conduct any action on a military installation, these associations have to register with the base commander as a Non-federal Entities (NFE).
NFEs are professional groups granted access and membership on the installation but are not run by the federal government. As an NFE, these enlisted associations gather together to perform acts of services for the military and family community. This could be fundraising for a worthy cause with proceeds being donated, or supporting a command-level event as needed. Some common NFEs include: the Junior Enlisted Association, the Second Class Petty Officer Association, the First Class Petty Officer Association, the Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions, Air Force Sergeants Association, Association of the United States Army, and the Chief Petty Officer Association.
Coins. Bahrain.
For military personnel, Bahrain serves as a deployment location due to the strategic location of U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet Headquarters and the Combined Maritime Forces, consisting of 47 nations. Many service members appreciate the tax-free pay and overseas allowances that accompany assignments there, along with the opportunity to experience Middle Eastern culture in a relatively liberal setting. The country is a constitutional monarchy ruled by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, who has reigned since 1999.
In Bahrain
