Rising through the ranks: A capping achievement for three GW Sailors

YOKOSUKA, JAPAN

05.04.2015

Courtesy Story

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73)

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Clemente A. Lynch

YOKOSUKA, Japan – Three Senior Chief Petty Officers aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) were advanced to the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer during a promotion ceremony in the ship’s hangar bay, May 1.

Their newly pinned gold-fouled anchors, each with two silver stars distinguish them as Master Chief Petty Officers who represent less than one percent of Sailors in the fleet.

“There are three simple rules to follow for the young Sailors aspiring to become a Master Chief,” said newly pinned Master Chief Machinist’s Mate Joe Lynch from George Washington’s Engineering Department. “Arrive to work on time, keep a clean uniform, and do what you are told. That’s all it takes.”

It takes years of consistent, hard work and focus for a Sailor to reach the rank Master Chief Petty Officer and he or she must show perseverance and dedication to push through the ranks.

“It’s a great achievement,” said newly pinned Master Chief Air Traffic Controller Seneca Hall from George Washington’s Operations department. “It was always my vision to be a chief. I made chief in 2009 and I got hungry for senior chief, then when I made senior chief I got hungry for master chief. Six years later, here I am. For young Sailors who want to make it to this point, my advice is to stay hungry and focused.”

George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

• Date Taken: 05.04.2015
• Date Posted: 05.04.2015 21:24
• Story ID: 162220
• Location: YOKOSUKA, JP