JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
"I'm still having fun. I'm still learning."
Joint Base Charleston and Naval Support Activity Charleston's new Command Master Chief Joseph Gardner said those words as one of his key messages as he assumed the reigns of leadership from retiring Command Master Chief Billy Cady, earlier this June.
Cady retired after 30 years of naval service in a ceremony held at the JB Charleston - Weapons Station Redbank Club June 21, 2013.
Gardner's philosophy as he leads from Charleston's senior Navy enlisted position will be to "continue to work to integrate the Weapons Station tenant commands with the joint base while continuing to complete the Navy's local mission while operating in a joint environment."
Gardner arrives to his role in Charleston just having completed a tour as CMC of the USS Taylor (FFG 50), an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided missile frigate home ported in Mayport, Fla.
"Every day, I meet many new, hard-working Sailors throughout JB Charleston who are also learning the joint-service experience," said Gardner. "That learning curve is steep for most Sailors, including myself, since this is our first experience to a non-Navy centered culture."
Gardner expects all Sailors in the Lowcountry to meet command, professional and personal goals from in-rate advancement to college education while advancing each localities specific unit missions.
"Success is something each Sailor should strive for, and in multiple ways, at each level of their career," said Gardner. He claims the Charleston area is aptly suited to enable such success, and that his steps as CMC mirror those hopes and ambitions.
Gardner resides locally with his family, and he thanks the local community for a warm, hospitable greeting that both he and his family have experienced in their short time in the area.