The Origin Of Cobb: Chief Of The Boat

The Chief of the Boat (COB) is an enlisted sailor on board a U.S. Navy submarine who serves as the senior enlisted advisor to the Commanding Officer (CO) and Executive Officer (XO). The COB is typically the most senior enlisted person and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the non-nuclear portion of the boat, as well as the morale and training of the enlisted personnel. With this context, we can now explore whether or not Cobb is a traditional name for the Chief of the Boat.

The Chief of the Boat's role and responsibilities

The Chief of the Boat (COB) is an enlisted sailor on board a U.S. Navy submarine who serves as the senior enlisted advisor to the Commanding Officer (CO) and Executive Officer (XO). The COB is typically the most senior enlisted person, though the commanding officer is not required to choose the highest-ranking sailor for this role.

The COB is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the non-nuclear portion of the boat, as well as the morale and training of the boat's enlisted personnel. They assist with matters regarding the good order and discipline of the crew and are considered equivalent to a Command Master Chief (CMDCM) or Command Senior Chief (CMDCS) in shore and surface commands.

The selection process for a COB begins with the commanding officer's recommendation, which is sent to the Naval Military Personnel Command via the Squadron Commander. Nominees are interviewed by other COBs, and they must have graduated from the Senior Enlisted Academy.

When a new enlisted sailor joins a boat's crew, the COB is usually one of the first people they meet. Although the COB is outside the direct chain of command, they have a tremendous amount of responsibility. They are a crucial part of the crew, as seen in the 1995 film "Crimson Tide" and the 2012 TV series "Last Resort," where the COB plays an important role in keeping the boat's crew in check.

In addition to their advisory and operational duties, the COB also acts as a counsellor, disciplinarian, and motivator for the crew, ensuring their well-being and good conduct. They are a key link between the officers and the enlisted personnel, facilitating effective communication and coordination within the team.

The Chief of the Boat's selection process

The Chief of the Boat (COB) is a senior enlisted advisor to the Commanding Officer (CO) and Executive Officer (XO) on board a U.S. Navy submarine. The COB is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the non-nuclear portion of the boat, as well as the morale and training of the boat's enlisted personnel. While the COB is typically the most senior enlisted person, the commanding officer is not required to choose the most senior or highest-ranking sailor for this role. Similarly, when a more senior sailor comes aboard, the COB is not necessarily replaced.

The selection process for a COB is as follows:

• Commanding Officer's Recommendation: The process starts with the commanding officer's recommendation, which is sent to the Naval Military Personnel Command via the squadron commander.
• Interviews: Nominees for COB are interviewed by other COBs.
• Education Requirements: To become a COB, an enlisted sailor must graduate from the Senior Enlisted Academy. They must also complete the regional Command Master Chief Course using the NAVEDTRA 38204-A, Student's Source Book.

The COB holds tremendous responsibility and plays a crucial role in the operation of the submarine. They are usually one of the first people a new sailor meets when joining a boat's crew and are responsible for matters regarding the good order and discipline of the crew.

The Chief of the Boat's rank and position in Starfleet

The Chief of the Boat (COB) is a senior enlisted sailor on board a U.S. Navy submarine who serves as the senior enlisted advisor to the Commanding Officer (CO) and Executive Officer (XO). The COB assists with matters of crew discipline and is equivalent to a Command Master Chief (CMDCM) or Command Senior Chief (CMDCS) in shore and surface commands.

The position of Chief of the Boat is also used in Starfleet, the military of the United Earth and the United Federation of Planets. In Starfleet, the COB is the most senior non-commissioned officer on board a starship, advising the commanding officer and executive officer on matters of ship and crew. While the term is technically outdated, it is used in Starfleet as a nod to ancient Earth naval tradition.

The COB tends to hold the rank of master chief petty officer or senior chief petty officer and is generally responsible for the day-to-day operations of the boat's non-commissioned personnel, including their morale and training. There is only one COB on a vessel, and they are usually the most senior enlisted person, although this is not a requirement. The COB is outside the direct chain of command but holds a lot of authority and is typically one of the first people a new enlisted sailor will meet.

In popular culture, the Chief of the Boat has appeared in the 1995 film *Crimson Tide* and the 2012 television series *Last Resort*, playing crucial roles in both plots.

The Chief of the Boat's importance to the Navy

The Chief of the Boat (COB) is a crucial position in the U.S. Navy, serving as the senior enlisted advisor to both the Commanding Officer (CO) and the Executive Officer (XO). The COB is typically the most senior enlisted person on board, though this is not a requirement for the role. The role is outside the direct chain of command, but it carries a lot of responsibility.

The COB is responsible for assisting with matters related to the good order and discipline of the crew. This includes the day-to-day operations of the non-nuclear portion of the boat, as well as the morale and training of the enlisted personnel. The COB is also usually one of the first people a new sailor will meet when joining a boat's crew.

The selection process for a COB is rigorous and includes a recommendation from the commanding officer, interviews by other COBs, and graduation from the Senior Enlisted Academy. The COB plays a crucial role in maintaining the efficiency and morale of the boat's crew, ensuring that they are well-trained and disciplined.

In popular culture, the Chief of the Boat has been depicted as a highly influential role, as seen in the 1995 film "Crimson Tide" and the 2012 television series "Last Resort." In both of these works, the COB is portrayed as being crucial in keeping the boat's crew in check during challenging circumstances.

Overall, the Chief of the Boat is an essential position in the U.S. Navy, responsible for advising the commanding and executive officers, maintaining good order and discipline among the crew, and ensuring the efficient operation of the boat. The COB's role is critical to the smooth functioning of the Navy and the success of its missions.

The Chief of the Boat's portrayal in popular culture

The Chief of the Boat (COB) is a senior enlisted sailor on board a U.S. Navy submarine. The role is typically filled by the most senior enlisted person, who advises the commanding officer and executive officer on matters of ship and crew. While the role is outside the direct chain of command, the COB has tremendous responsibility, including the day-to-day operations of the non-nuclear portion of the boat, as well as the morale and training of the enlisted personnel.

The portrayal of the Chief of the Boat in popular culture is limited but notable. Here are some examples:

Crimson Tide (1995)

The Chief of the Boat aboard the USS Alabama (SSBN-731) plays a crucial role in the film's plot, depicted as one of the most influential personnel aboard, alongside the captain and executive officer.

Last Resort (2012)

In this television series, the Chief of the Boat, Joseph Prosser, portrayed by Robert Patrick, plays an important role. Prosser is responsible for keeping the boat's crew in check after they are declared enemies of the United States by a corrupt government.

Starfleet

In Starfleet, the position of Chief of the Boat is considered an outdated title. However, it would still be used out of respect for ancient Earth naval tradition. In this context, the COB is the most senior non-commissioned officer, typically holding the rank of master chief petty officer or senior chief petty officer.

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