Honoring: Boatswain's Mate Chief Torrez

Honored By RDML Frank Thorp IV, USN, Ret.

Chief Torrez was my first Chief - he committed himself to the Sailors in his charge and to teaching me how to be a good officer. I will never forget him. Chief Torrez and I met every morning, and he would "recommend" to me the plan for the day. He would recommend I call out specific Sailors for their performance or let me know a Sailor needed special care. He respected and cared for the Sailors he was charged to lead, and he taught me to do the same.

At morning quarters, the Chief was firm and fair with his guidance. But before he spoke, he would tell the Sailors that "Mr. Thorp has a couple of things" and turn it over to me to brief as he had advised. He would then follow up with specific guidance for the division, often ending with, "Now let's go get it done as Mr. Thorp says." Over time, he would explain in greater detail "why" he was making his recommendations, providing me a deeper insight into my role as a leader.

I have lived my life trying to live up to his leadership qualities. He invested in me, and I will be forever in debt to him. He also taught me, by example, how to work with a Chief. He taught me, again by example, that Chiefs really make the Navy run. And they deserve respect.

A funny story - LTJG Thorp thought I had made the big leagues when Chief Torrez invited me to go horseback riding. I was feeling pretty good about myself, being out there with "the Chief." So, in a quiet moment, I reach out to shake his hand and thank him for investing in me, explaining how much he meant to me and that we had a lifelong bond... "Call me, Frank," I said. He shook my hand, agreed with the sentiments, and said sincerely and respectfully, "Thank you, sir. Please call me Chief - I earned it." We smiled, jumped back on the horses and while I was thinking that I had just learned a lesson about respect and Chiefs that I would never forget, I sincerely hoped he realized the difference he was making in my life." Thank you Chief! You set the course!