MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Chief Petty Officer Christopher Poss, a native of Barker, New York, was recently named the senior enlisted leader of Naval Medical Readiness Logistics Command (NMRLC) Williamsburg, Virginia.
Poss is a 2005 graduate of Barker Central School.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Barker.
“My small town taught me the importance of community,” Poss said. “You lean on it quite heavily in small towns, so you learn how to foster relationships rather quickly.”
Poss has served in the Navy for more than 18 years.
“I was 20 years old and needed discipline, maturity and purpose,” Poss said. “I was inspired by my grandfather, a World War II Marine, who once told me that I should join in an attempt to ‘get my life right.’”
Today, Poss serves as a yeoman and is the senior enlisted leader of NMRLC.
“Being named as the senior enlisted leader was very humbling,” Poss said. “Having the trust of not just the commanding officer and executive officer, but that of the crew is a huge honor.”
Headed by Capt. Christopher Barnes, NMRLC develops, acquires, produces, fields, sustains, and provides enduring lifecycle support of medical materiel solutions to the Fleet, Fleet Marine Force, and Joint Forces in high-end competition, crisis, and combat. At the forefront of Navy Medicine’s strategic evolution, NMRLC is well positioned to be the Joint Force’s premier integrated medical logistics support activity.
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Poss has had many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“Hands-down, and without question, making Chief Petty Officer was my proudest accomplishment,” Poss said. “Chief Petty Officer Season was a learning lesson that I will not soon forget. I hold those lessons near and dear to my heart.”
Poss wants to make a positive and lasting impact on others while serving in the military.
“Leadership and mentorship have always been a huge priority of mine, stemming back to my formative years in the Navy,” Poss said. “I place a great emphasis on legacy, and I want mine and those in my charge to leave a positive legacy that has a great impact on those who will follow us. Team building is of great importance, and we have several detachments, all with different mission sets. It is vitally important that we execute our individual missions while working together as a team, the Naval Medical Readiness Logistics Command team, and do so with excellence.”
Poss serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy saved me from unemployment, homelessness and gave me an opportunity to adequately provide for my family, all while instilling discipline and leadership principles that I could apply at work and at home,” Poss said. “It made me into a better man as a whole.”
Poss believes effective leadership is key to helping the command achieve its mission.
“The key to effective leadership is empowerment from the most junior to the most senior sailors,” Poss said. “I like to encourage sailors to set a standard while knowing their team well enough to tailor their leadership to each individual. It sounds complicated, and it is, but it is a skillset that is necessary as you climb the proverbial ladder.”
Poss is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“My wife, Heather, for her unconditional love and support throughout the vast majority of my Naval career,” Poss said. “My children, for being my reason why. My father, Keith; aunt, Sue; and uncle, Kevin, for always encouraging me while simultaneously keeping me in check with hard truths.”