JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Petty Officer 1st Class Ebony Sharpe, 628th Force Support Squadron leading petty officer (LPO) in charge of JB Charleston’s weapons station galley, provides her culinary team with the perfect example by leading from the front.
Her day-to-day job consists of overseeing operations consisting of daily manning schedules, production of meals, menu planning, equipment maintenance and inventory.
“The importance of my role is having accountability and expectations of myself and others,” said Sharpe. “We feed over 3,000 people daily so it’s imperative I get to see firsthand if there are any issues in any section of the kitchen to ensure our overall operations run smoothly. I love hearing positive feedback so it motivates me to continue to stay on top of things.”
Sharpe willingly stepped into the shoes of a role meant for a rank above her when she was a petty officer second class, and has proven herself more than capable of doing the job.
“For the past two years since she took over, she has done a flawless job in the position,” said Senior Chief Petty Officer Corey Montgomery, 628th FSS food service officer. “Even though she was a petty officer second class, she performed as if she was a seasoned first class. She’s very reliable and I know I can count on her.”
Some of the challenges she’s faced have spawned improvements in her leadership abilities and expertise in the culinary career field.
“When I became the LPO, my biggest challenges were managing my peers since we were the same rank, it was difficult. Also, being the face and voice in front of senior leadership,” said Sharpe. “Knowing I was in the spotlight often, I made it a point to always arrive earlier than everyone and demonstrate to my peers and subordinates what I expect by setting the example myself. Once we worked out the hardship of changes and everyone was on the same page, it was actually a really good experience--I don’t regret it at all.”
In addition to her key duties, Sharpe is a dedicated student and is now in graduate school for Human Services.
“I joined the Navy with no intention of going to school, but now I’m in graduate school and the first person in family to get a college degree,” said Sharpe. “I have learned that if you want to be better at your job and professional organization skills, education was extremely important so I made that a priority.”
Sharpe stated she contributed her success to the hard work and dedication of her team members and mentors she’s had throughout her career.
“It has been an honor to work with my team of Air Force, Navy and civilians. I couldn’t have done it without them,” she added. “They just made me a better person and Sailor throughout my time at JB Charleston.”