Alex Clarke credits chief petty officers with helping him gain more access for historical research than he initially expected. Once they understood his purpose, they advised him how to explain it to others and reach the questions he needed to ask. He ranks chiefs among the most helpful and enthusiastic historians aboard ship and values their historical debates. Many officers also have history degrees and read widely, a qualification he explicitly recognizes.
Notable Point · 20:21-21:25
Chiefs as keepers of shipboard knowledge
Chief petty officers helped a naval historian explain his research, gain access, and find better questions.