Wasp celebrates The Few, The Proud, The Chief

NORFOLK, VA, UNITED STATES

09.15.2012

Courtesy Story

USS WASP (LHD 1)   

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class(SW/AW) J. C. J. Stokes
USS Wasp (LHD 1) Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. – The amphibious assault ship USS Wasp fiscal year 2013 Chief Selectees, 11 in all, received their anchors and combination covers in a time-honored ceremony in the ship’s hangar bay Sept. 14.

The ceremony which lasted about an hour, included remarks from the commanding officer and the command master chief, the reading of the Chief Petty Officer’s Creed and the presentation of the chief’s anchors and covers.

“Every year the chief selectee transition period is a rejuvenation in the chief’s mess around the world,” said Master Chief Master-at-Arms Kevin Valente. “This transitioning period is a time for reflection, acceptance and a new perspective for Chiefs, new and old. On pinning day, the Navy becomes stronger because of the training during the transitioning period, especially the Wasp. We have a great group of new Chiefs who are truly committed to being deck plate leaders and leading from all fronts.”

The training received by this group of sailors included classroom presentations, personal one on one, group instruction and physical training which all focused on maximizing leadership skills.

“One of the exercises the selectees did was lead command PT,” said Chief Religious Programs Specialist Cayce Mautino. “Many people may not be comfortable speaking in front of large crowds or giving presentations to the commanding officer. Therefore, to remedy that, the chiefs allowed the selectees to lead command PT in order for them to get comfortable with talking to large crowds.”

Another exercise the selectees participated in was learning naval heritage on base.

“When we would PT in the morning there are several monuments on base we run pass,” said Mautino. “When we come to those memorials like the USS Cole and Iowa we stopped and actually read the plaques along the trails. By actually stopping and reading we gained a new appreciation for the men and women who wore the Navy uniform before us and better understood the sacrifices they made. I am truly honored and humbled I was selected to participate in this year’s chief selectee transition.”

According to Mautino, before he was selected for chief he was feeling down at work because the Navy was downsizing and he was up for review in the Enlisted Retention Board. The Navy was letting go 11 out of 30 religious programs specialist.

“I had prepared myself for possible transition into the civilian world, but it did not happen,” said Mautino. “Everything happens for a reason. I am glad I am able to end this year as a chief. It shows people hard work, dedication and persistence pays off. I am also happy my family was able to attend. If not for them I do not know where I would be. My wife and daughter have made huge sacrifices for me to get to this point and I owe them a great deal of gratitude and my uncle and aunt who 11 years ago gave me the information so I could start my naval career.”

Wasp held the ceremony a few hours before it was slated to depart Norfolk for an underway period which allowed the new chiefs’ families to participate in this ceremony.

“I am honored I was able to attend this ceremony it was excellent, I really enjoyed it,” said Leroy Wohlrabe, a family friend of newly pinned Chief Hull Maintenance Technician Michael Binley. “I drove all the way down from Wisconsin in order to support Chief Binley. I am excited the families were able to be here before the ship got underway. This is trip is really special to me not only am I able to be here for Chief Binley, but for the first time in my life I get to see a Navy ship pull out from the Naval Station Norfolk.”

Advancement to chief petty officer is a significant accomplishment in the Navy and for one of the newly pinned Chief’s this ceremony is a great end to a long career.

“Today is a sad and overwhelming emotional day for me because so much is about to happen,” said Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Jason Bastien. “I am still trying to piece things together. Today I retire from the Navy after 20 years of service. Before, I came to the Navy I worked at Arby’s. Now, as I retire from the Navy my retirement gift is being pinned a chief. I am honored. My advice to the junior sailors coming up the ranks is to put their best foot forward, because you get what you put into the Navy. If you give a 100 percent then you will get it in return.”

Since 1893, when the rank of chief petty officer was created, the men and women who wear their new anchors do so in a new position of leadership and responsibility to the Navy. The ceremony held aboard Wasp was a culmination of six weeks of training that began Navy-wide July 31, with the announcement of those 1st Class Petty Officers who were selected for advancement by the Navy's Chief Selection Board.

• Date Taken: 09.15.2012
• Date Posted: 09.15.2012 20:35
• Story ID: 94788
• Location: NORFOLK, VA, US