Navy promotes first West Coast CWO-5

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5 promoted the first Sailor on the West Coast to the newly-implemented rank of CWO-5 April 30.

Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) James Jackson was promoted from CWO-4 to CWO-5 as part of the Navy's gradual phase-in of the new rank.

"I am number seven on the [promotion] list, but the first on the West Coast," said Jackson, ACU-5 assistant supply, food service and bachelor enlisted quarters officer.

The Hot Springs, Ark., native decided to stay in the Navy after 30 years to accept this promotion. "It is the Navy that keeps me going--it is serving my country in this war on terrorism. I was going to retire, but being CWO-5 is an honor for me," Jackson said.

RADM Daniel Stone, director of Logistics and Engineering for North American Aerospace Command and U.S. Northern Command, said Jackson's advancement to CWO-5 is not only an achievement for the supply community, but also for the Navy. "It is a very distinguished career to achieve the rank of warrant officer," Stone said.

Warrant officers are essential to the Navy's successful operation, and preserve the knowledge and technical skills within the community. "Having the CWO-5 rank is the Navy's way of not letting the technically skilled Sailors leave the work force and take all that knowledge with them," Jackson said.

All CWO-5s will be chosen from the Navy's CWO-4s. "You have to be CWO-4 for at least three years. Usually, those people have about 27 or 28 years in," Jackson said.

"There is an old saying that says, 'Great moments are made from great opportunities.' It is surely a great moment for me to be selected as one of the Navy's first chief warrant officer fives," said Jackson.

He feels his shipmates presented the opportunities that led him to this promotion.

"I could not have succeeded without the help of many people, both junior and senior, who I have worked with throughout my career," Jackson admitted.

The implementation of CWO-5 not only retains the technical skills of career Sailors, but also provides Sailors like Jackson an opportunity to continue to do what they know best for a few more years in the Navy.

"Now that I am CWO-5, they do not have to retire me and I can help with my expertise," Jackson said. "I find it a fantastic feeling to be able to give two more years to my country."

COPYRIGHT 2004 U.S. Department of the Navy, Supply Systems Command
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group