Chief pinning at Misawa Air Base

Photo By Samuel Weldin | 150916-N-OK605-053 MISAWA, Japan (Sept. 16, 2015) Newly pinned Chief Fire Controlman Michael Keller from San Diego has his cover placed during the fiscal year 2016 chief pinning ceremony at Misawa Air Base. Seven new chief petty officers were selected from Misawa Air Base for this cycle. (U.S. Navy Photo By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Samuel Weldin/Released)  

MISAWA AIR BASE, AOMORI, JAPAN

09.16.2015

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Samuel Weldin 

Naval Air Facility Misawa

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan - Seven Sailors celebrated career milestones as they donned their khakis, pinned on their anchors, and joined the esteemed ranks of Chief Petty Officers (CPO) at Misawa Air Base.

The process started one month prior when these seven 1st class petty officers were selected to undergo the chief training process called “CPO 365 Phase Two." Phase Two is designed to instill advanced leadership and networking skills required to be a Chief Petty Officer.

The CPO Selectees are as follows: Chief Aviation Machinist’s Mate Faruq El from Philadelphia, Pa., Chief Aviation Ordnanceman John Hardy from Muskegon, Mich., Chief Fire Controlman Michael Keller from San Diego, Chief Aerographer’s Mate Antoine Lewis from Richmond, Va., Chief Aviation Electrician’s Mate Brandon McKernan from Wilmington, N.C., Chief Logistics Specialist Stacey Myers from Columbus, Ga., and Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Michael Salinas from Rockport, Texas.

"The Navy has not promoted you to the rank of chief petty officer because of what you have done," said Naval Air Facility Misawa's Command Master Chief Steven Snyder. "You have been promoted because of what we expect you to do."

Family members and friends pinned two gold anchors on each newly appointed chief's collar as their sponsors placed a combination cover on their head.

The chief petty officer rate was established by the Navy on April 1, 1893. Chief petty officers are expected to act as both technical experts and naval leaders.

“Chief’s accept a great responsibility, not only to lead enlisted, but young officers as well,’ said Commanding Officer, Naval Air Facility Misawa, Capt. Keith Henry. “The Chief Petty Officers are the core that ensures mission success and really enforces honor, courage, and commitment.”

For more information about the traditions and rank of the chief petty officer, visit www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq46-1.htm.

• Date Taken: 09.16.2015
• Date Posted: 09.16.2015 02:02
• Story ID: 176177
• Location: MISAWA AIR BASE, AOMORI, JP
• Hometown: COLUMBUS, GA, US
• Hometown: PHILADELPHIA, PA, US
• Hometown: RICHMOND, VA, US
• Hometown: ROCKPORT, TX, US
• Hometown: SAN DIEGO, CA, US
• Hometown: WILMINGTON, NC, US