USS Somerset Holds Pinning Ceremony

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Amanda Chavez | 160916-N-LR795-122 PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 16, 2016) – Chief Intelligence Specialist Roosevelt Smith, from Mansfield, La., is pinned by Chief Culinary Specialist Mike Louise during a chief petty officer pinning ceremony aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25). Somerset, part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, is conducting integrated training with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit off the coast of Southern California, in preparation for its maiden deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Amanda Chavez)  

CA, UNITED STATES

09.16.2016

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Amanda Chavez 

USS Somerset (LPD 25)

PACIFIC OCEAN – After weeks of being mentored, tested and challenged, four Sailors aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25) dawned their fresh khaki uniforms, combination covers and golden anchors during a chief petty officer pinning ceremony.

“This is the greatest day of my life,” said newly pinned Chief Intelligence Specialist Roosevelt Smith. “It’s a dream that has turned into reality. Something I’ve always wanted.”

Among Smith, the new chiefs included Chief Navy Counselor Lea Ignacio, Chief Electronics Technician Jonathan Le and Chief Logistics Specialist Kyeth Tim.

The pinning ceremony began in 1893 when the chief paygrade was created. The ceremony signifies a new position of leadership and responsibility for the Navy.

“It is known around the world that when the chief is on the job, the job is going to get done and done right,” said Capt. Darren Glaser, the commanding officer of Somerset. “It is the chief petty officer that serves as the fireball, the spark, the spirit that drives a ship to do what it does.”

During the ceremony, each chief select is pinned with two gold anchors and has their combination cover placed on their head by their sponsor.

“I know if your families were here right next to you, they would be beaming with pride,” said Glaser. “This day is also special for them.”

Somerset, part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, is conducting integrated training with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit off the coast of Southern California, in preparation for its maiden deployment.

• Date Taken: 09.16.2016
• Date Posted: 09.19.2016 11:18
• Story ID: 209957
• Location: CA, US