Sailors earn promotion

Photo By Thomas Cieslak | Command Master Chief Keith Wright pins the Chief's Anchor on Chief Petty Officer Selectee Dorantes' collar during a ceremony on Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, Sept 16. During the ceremony, 18 Sailors were promoted to chief petty officer.  

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

09.25.2009

Story by Capt. Thomas Cieslak 

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan - A ceremony conducted on Bagram Air Field, Sept. 16, marked the advancement of Sailors into what is considered the most challenging and rewarding period of their careers.

Ready to advance to the rank of Chief Petty Officer, 18 Sailors stood at attention before the assembled crowd, ready to be pinned and covered by those who had been their mentors and advisors.

"The rank of chief petty officer has existed in our Navy for 116 years. During that time, some very special men and women have earned the right to be recognized as 'the chief,'" said Navy Master Chief Jamie Goodman, the master of ceremonies for the event. "Today, these 18 chief selectee petty officers will join those ranks. Representing over 195 years of combined experience, they have earned their anchors and will undoubtedly add value to the Chief's Mess."

"I am excited for each of you, for our Navy and for our military" Navy Capt. Gina Harden, the senior naval officer in Afghanistan, said in her remarks during the ceremony.

Harden acknowledged that each selectee, by advancing to the rank of chief petty officer, accepted the responsibility to train another generation of junior officers and another generation of future chiefs to maintain high standards, be it on a ship on shore or in Afghanistan.

"The power of the Chief Petty Officer's Mess is absolutely incredible. We are the backbone of the United States Navy," said Navy Master Chief Patrick Brennan, the guest speaker for the event.

"Be proud of your accomplishments and look forward to the challenges, because there will be many," Brennan said. "The toughest days of your career are ahead of you. The most rewarding of your career are ahead of you as chief petty officer."

Each selectee was called forward and the "Chief's Anchor" was pinned on their left and right collar by fellow chief petty officers, senior chief petty officers and master chief petty officers.

Three Sailors serving in Task Force Protector were advanced to the rank of chief petty officer. Chief Petty Officer Michael McClain is an individual augmentee from Naval Air Station Brunswick, Maine. Prior to serving in TF Protector, Chief Petty Officer Alberto Dorantes was the leading petty officer for the Navy Reserve's Security Force at North Island Coronado, Calif., and Chief Petty Officer Phillip Deberry was the leading petty officer at the Navy Operational Support Center in San Diego.

All three chief petty officers are supporting Operation Enduring Freedom by serving in Task Group Trident, the Navy element of TF Protector.

"Your entire way of life is now changed. More will be expected of you; more will be demanded of you," said Command. Master Chief Keith Wright of TF Protector, reciting the Chief Petty Officer Creed. "Not because you are an E7, but because you are now a chief petty officer."

• Date Taken: 09.25.2009
• Date Posted: 09.25.2009 07:09
• Story ID: 39241
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF