During a day at sea, I was sitting in an office with my fellow first classes, and we were taking a moment to coke and joke (take a break). We were telling jokes, talking about life underway, and having a good time. Then, all of a sudden, we heard the doorknob move, and everyone stopped what they were doing and got back to work. I sat there facing forward, relaxed, drinking my soda, unphased. Senior Chief Arthur Gore walked in and assessed the situation and the environment. Senior asked one of my fellow first classes, “What are you doing, IT1 (Last Name)?” That individual provided a full report on what they were “working” on. I took a drink from my Pepsi. Senior updated his notes and then asked the next first class, “IT1 (Last Name), what are you working on?” The next first class updated Senior on what they were working on and what their current status was. Senior then looked at me, “IT1 Merritt, what are you working on?” I took another drink from my Pepsi and said, “Senior, I’m not working on a damn thing.” I will never forget, Senior Chief Gore looked at me, smiled, and, if I remember correctly, said: “Merritt, I appreciate your honesty, but it’s not going to save your ass.” We both had a nonverbal moment and a smile, and I got back to work.

One of my favorite times during my career was the philosophical conversations I had with Senior Chief Gore when he took time to sit on the watchfloor and talk to the sailors that he led. Thank you for all of your mentorship, leadership, and the example that you set.

Very Respectfully,

IT1(IW/SW) Michael J. Merritt (USN/Ret)