Prior enlisted take the helm.

As Constellation (CV 64) returned to home port in San Diego, Calif., after "slam-dunking" her training availability exercises and final evaluation problem, something was different than normal. Strictly by coincidence and the rotation of personnel on the watchbills, the entire bridge-watch team, as well as the engineering officer of the watch, were all prior-enlisted commissioned officers.

In today's Navy, there are many programs to ensure Sailors "stay Navy" when it comes time to reenlist, including commissioning programs. "I joined the Navy in 1980 as an E-1," said Lt. Tom Murphy, junior officer of the deck. "I was a Chief Radioman with an associate's degree. The Navy sent me to college and on completion of my bachelor's degree, I was commissioned as an ensign."

Lt. Murphy is one of many Sailors who have used the Enlisted Commissioning Program to gain their commission. CWO Darwin Triplett, engineering officer of the watch, had a similar decision to make, but chose a different path. "My former commanding officer pushed me to take a commission as a chief warrant officer," said Triplett. "I was up for master chief for the first time as well, but I got selected for the warrant officer position. It's been a very fulfilling job. I love it."

"Gaining my commission has added a lot of responsibility," said conning officer CWO Leon Quarles. "It gives me many more chances to take a leadership role in the operation of the ship."

Sailors interested in a commission should research all of the available programs because some are more appropriate for one Sailor than another. "Seeing us together, working as a team should inspire young individuals," said Murphy. "This should motivate them to get a commission, or stay Navy."

For more Constellation news, visit www.navy.mil/homepages/cv64.