Butch and Tim served with Admiral Chiles at Naval Reactors. He was a Navy Captain at the time, and he was the person who interfaced between Admiral Rickover and the submarine force. As one of the two Navy Captains who worked at Naval Reactors, he was one of the role models for the way to deal with a demanding boss in the unforgiving environment of nuclear submarine maintenance and operations.
Whenever an issue with a submarine came to Admiral Rickover’s attention, CAPT Chiles was the one who was called to Admiral Rickover’s office. After his visits with Admiral Rickover, CAPT Chiles was always the picture of calm and professionalism. He would be the one who called the appropriate squadron commodore or the affected commanding officer to discuss the issue, determine the facts and close the loop with Admiral Rickover.
The thing that impressed us the most was the fact that CAPT Chiles always reacted with such a calm demeanor and respect for whomever he was dealing. He dealt from a strong position with a heavy hammer, but I always saw him respond with the velvet glove of respect and professionalism.
Ten years later, VADM Chiles was in charge of the submarine force. But his calm, professional persona had not changed. He dealt with the challenge of dealing with Pentagon and Fleet program offices, Naval Reactors, and the operating submarine forces with the same firm hand. He was always focused on the crews manning the submarines and auxiliaries, mindful that the force sailors and the staffs that supported them were what made the force what it was.
As COMSUBLANT, the Admiral also focused on his headquarters staff. His wit and humor were readily apparent to those having the privilege of working directly for him. Examples abound. After asking for several of his N Heads to come to his office, the Chief of Staff informed him they had all left to play nine holes of golf. The Admiral commented it was great to see the staff take a Ropeyarn Wednesday, where upon the Chief of Staff remarked, “Admiral, it’s 6 PM!” The Chief of Staff and
N Heads prepared and served the food and drink for the annual Three Star Charity dinner for Dolphin Scholarship the Admiral hosted at his quarters. During the dinners, his brandy and liqueur provisions would disappear and the bed would be short sheeted – but Admiral Chiles never accused the staff! However, he always ensured the N Heads were winners of the staff fundraiser privilege of washing his prized vintage automobile.
Ed Note: These closing paragraphs have been contributed by VADM (then CAPT) Al Konetzni.
One day in the Summer of 1991 Admiral Chiles called me, his Chief of Staff, into his office to discuss Submarine Force camaraderie. He was a bit concerned that our monthly Norfolk Submarine Happy hours, which took place in the Bachelor Quarters North Carolina House, were not well attended and made our spouses work too hard preparing appetizers.
This was a difficult time for the US Navy and our Submarine Force as “tailhook,” the end of the “Cold War,” and discussions about the “peace dividend” and Force reductions were all on the table in Washington. As a result, morale was not where the Admiral wanted it to be.
I was most impressed with his focused thoughtfulness and concern for the spouses during our meeting. He made a point that although we work hard there must be time for celebrating each other. After some time, the Admiral recommended that we put some submarine memorabilia into the Breezy Point Officers’ Club and start monthly happy hours at the Club.
Through his intervention we restarted happy hours at the Club. His rules were that we start at 3 PM on Fridays and finish at 5:3E PM into order to allow folks to get home early before the weekend. Initially the Admiral and the SUBLANT Staff paid for the beverages at the Club. These events became so successful that the Squadron Staffs helped pick up the tab in time.
Later we provided prizes to the Submarine Wardroom with the most attendees and always honored the spouses of our deployed units. The Friday crowd of submariners became so great that the Club began to sponsor food for the happy hour period.
What always impressed me is that Admiral Chiles always attended the get togethers when in town and made it a point to speak to as many of the young officers and their spouses as he could. He truly improved morale!
His personal intervention truly made a difference to the submariners in the Tidewater Area as they had many an opportunity to meet the “Boss.” Heck, even the Aviators and Surface Warriors started coming to meet with “Bubbleheads.”
The three authors all agree that it was an honor and a privilege to work for Admiral Hank Chiles!
