Photo By James Smith | Master Chief Petty Officer Gilbert Ermitano, right, Navy senior enlisted advisor for...... read more read more
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IWAKUNI, Japan - Chief petty officers aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, gathered at the Southside Mess Hall April 1, 2014, to celebrate the 121st birthday of their rank.
Congress first established the rank of chief petty officer April 1, 1893.
“Today is a very special day for us chief petty officers,” said Master Chief Petty Officer Gilbert Ermitano, Navy senior enlisted advisor for MCAS Iwakuni. “All of us here are with joint commands and are dispersed across this station, but we still manage to come together and work as a unit.”
Ermitano took the time to acknowledge Marines attending the ceremony and how much it meant to him.
The ceremony started with a reading of the birthday message from Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Michael D. Stevens.
In his message, read by Chief Petty Officer Mario Arias-Davison, Navy senior enlisted leader for Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12, Stevens addressed the importance of chief petty officers.
“Since 1893, our Navy has placed a great charge on chief petty officers,” said Stevens. “We’ve been asked to lead and serve our sailors, no matter the circumstance or situation, and these are surely challenging times. There are many things beyond our control that have the potential to distract us from the tasks at hand. Fortunately, it’s in our DNA to embrace these challenges, seek opportunities and find solutions.”
Stevens continued his message by identifying the skills required from chief petty officers and their essentiality to mission success.
Once Arias-Davison finished reading the birthday message, Ermitano gave his thoughts on the MCPON’s message.
“Stevens mentioned that we are in for challenging times; budget cuts and sequestration, but we still have a mission to carry out,” said Ermitano. “Ever since the rank of chief petty officer was established, we’ve been charged to provide leadership and guidance for the purpose of driving this force toward its intended mission.”
The ceremony concluded with a traditional cake cutting with the most senior and junior chief petty officers, and singing of “Happy Birthday” and a cry of “Navy chief! Navy pride!”
“Thank you all so much for all that you do to enhance our excellence,” said Stevens in the final words of his message. “Happy Birthday, we don’t look a day over 100!”
| Date Taken: | 04.01.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 04.14.2014 19:41 |
| Story ID: | 125902 |
| Location: | IWAKUNI, YAMAGUCHI, JP |
| Web Views: | 89 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 121 years of service, Chief Petty Officers celebrate rank, by James Smith, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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