U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer selectees construct wooden vessel boxes during CPO initiation season at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, Maine, Aug. 13, 2026. Rooted in naval traditions dating back to World War II, the handcrafted vessel is built to protect the selectee's charge book, an enduring repository of naval heritage, wisdom, and guidance imparted by the Chief's Mess. The multi-week initiation develops deckplate leadership, accountability, and unity before selectees are formally pinned and welcomed into the mess. (U.S. Navy photo by Branden Bourque)
| Date Taken: | 09.17.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 09.17.2026 05:22 |
| Photo ID: | 9943774 |
| VIRIN: | 260813-N-VG694-2005 |
| Resolution: | 4727x3151 |
| Size: | 3.37 MB |
| Location: | KITTERY, MAINE, US |
| Web Views: | 4 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, From Sailor to Chief [Image 13 of 13], by Branden Bourque, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.