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My Coast Guard
Commentary | March 3, 2021

Deckplate Leader of the Week: Chief Petty Officer Travis Ruterbusch

By From Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard’s Facebook page

Our deckplate leader of the week is Chief Petty Officer Travis Ruterbusch, a boatswain’s mate and the executive petty officer of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Coho, New London, Connecticut!

Ruterbusch provides sound leadership and council aboard the cutter to the commanding officer and within the chief’s mess. He also interacts with Coast Guard Academy leadership and the Cadet Corps, as Coho is the only operational unit on the U.S. Coast Guard Academy grounds.
 
Ruterbusch’s crew consistently performs above expectations, a testament to his leadership, and he is also not afraid to hold a hard line when necessary. We are lucky to have him on our U.S. Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound team and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for him as an officer in charge!

When asked what makes a good chief?

“I received this chief values statement from Master Chief Petty Officer James Hines. He got it from the chief’s petty officer association in 2003 from Master Chief Petty Officer Rogala.”

The Coast Guard Chief’s Value Statement: 

“The Coast Guard needs chiefs: who cannot be bought; whose word is their bond; who put character above wealth; who possess opinions and a will; who are larger than their anchors; who do not hesitate to take chances; who will not lose their individuality in a crowd; who will be honest in small things as well as in great things; who will make no compromise with wrong; whose ambitions are not confined to their own selfish desires; who will not say they do it ‘because everyone else does it;’ who are true to their shipmates through good and evil, in adversity as well in prosperity; who do not believe shrewdness, cunning and hardheadedness are the best qualities for winning success; who are not ashamed or afraid to stand for truth when it is unpopular; who can say ‘no’ with emphasis, although all the rest say ‘yes.’”

What advice do you have for junior members?

“Junior members must decide, plan out and envision themselves on where they would like to be down the road. I also recommend seeking out a mentor in the field that they would like to pursue.”

Thank you for your leadership! 
 

Do you have a chief who you would like to recognize? Please contact Chief Petty Officer Crystalynn Kneen.