SAN DIEGO - Naval Medical Center San Diego held its Chief Petty Officer's Pinning Ceremony Sept. 16 for 28 sailors from NMCSD and Naval Consolidated Brig Miramar.
The ceremony began with chief selectees marching out singing "Anchors Aweigh," followed by the NMCSD Color Guard parading the colors and the national anthem performed by Chief Hospital Corpsman Anthony V. Moore.
NMCSD Commander Rear Adm. Christine M. Bruzek-Kohler congratulated the selectees and challenged them to continue to lead by example.
NMCSD Command Master Chief Kathleen A. Hansen praised the NMCSD CPO Mess for their leadership and efforts in preparing this year's group of chiefs for their new responsibilities and challenges as senior enlisted leaders. She also paid tribute to the many projects and accomplishments that this group of selectees completed in the past six weeks.
"This ceremony is the culmination of all of your sustained efforts to reach this point," said Hansen. "But today does not mark the end of your training, it is only the beginning."
During the ceremony, family members and friends pinned on two gold anchors to each newly appointed chief's uniform and the sailor's sponsor placed the combination cover on their heads.
"It was the most rewarding experience that I've ever had," said newly promoted Chief Petty Officer (FMF) Karen M. Lemas, hospital corpsman. "It was hard, but nothing worth having is easy to get."
The ceremony concluded with NMCSD's new chiefs shouting a request to Hansen asking permission to join the CPO Mess. Hansen answered with a resounding "Yes!"
The Navy first established the rank of chief petty officer on April 1, 1893. Advancement to the rank of chief petty officer brings a dual role as both technical experts and as leaders.