Gulfport Chiefs, CPO Selectees Repair Biloxi VA Medical Center Pier
BILOXI, Miss. – More than one dozen Chief Petty Officers (CPO) and CPO selectee volunteers from the Naval Construction Battalion Center (NCBC) participated in a community relations project beginning in July 2021 with the Biloxi Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center.
CPO selectees, under the guidance of CPOs, refurbished the fishing pier at the Biloxi VA Medical Center, a project completed in December 2021 requiring nearly 4,000 man-hours.
“These Sailors and Chiefs took great efforts to ensure our Veterans and staff have a safe area to enjoy the Biloxi River,” said GCVHCS Director Bryan C. Matthews. “The wonderful relationship we enjoy with our U.S. Armed Forces members in this community is special, and having these men and women take the time to improve our facilities is a blessing.”
According to GCVHCS Structural Supervisor Bobby Smith, Jr., volunteers replaced more than 2,000 board feet of damaged pressure treated lumber decking and diagonal bracing, as well as replacing nearly 2,000 linear feet of three-tier hand railing protection. Smith said the Seabees – some of whom may use the pier when they finish U.S. Armed Forces active-duty service – were pleased to complete the job.
“This ensures the fishing pier is safe and secure for our Veterans and employees,” he said.
CPO Selectees – Sailors eligible for selection by a ranking and selection board composed of Master Chief Petty Officers who choose future leadership from the most capable Sailors while considering both aptitude as technical experts and ability as leaders – often take part in community relations projects. The CPO Selection process includes CPO Initiation Season, a series of events through which Sailors eligible for advancement to Chief Petty Officer are tested to ensure their capabilities in adapting to their new leadership role.
Along with the NCBC, the Biloxi VA Medical Center also maintains close ties with Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi.
The GCVHCS, comprised of the Biloxi VA Medical Center; the Joint Ambulatory Care Center (JACC) in Pensacola, Florida, and the Mobile, Alabama, and Eglin and Panama City Beach Community-based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCS), provide a variety of health care services to more than 82,000 Veterans.