Camp Lejeune hosts Chief Petty Officer Pinning Ceremony

Photo By Lance Cpl. Tavairus Hernandez | Chief Petty Officer Terry McCray-Matt, a newly Promoted Chief, gets pinned by her daughter Cyrah McCray-Matt and her mother Terry McCray at the base theater at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Sept. 16. The ceremony happened at the end of a six weeks transition period for Petty Officers 1st Class in to Chief Petty Officers where they are given first-hand knowledge on what it means to be a Chief in the Navy.  

CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, UNITED STATES

09.16.2016

Story by Lance Cpl. Tavairus Hernandez 

Marine Corps Installations East       

Sailors, their families and Marines attended the Chief Petty Officer Pinning Ceremony at the base theater on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Sept. 16.

The ceremony took place at the end of a six weeks transition period for newly selected chief petty officers that are given first-hand knowledge on what it means to be a chief in the Navy.

"It’s a huge honor and a tremendous moment in our careers," said Chief Petty Officer Terry McCray-Matt, a newly promoted Chief of the 2017 fiscal year. "The faith and the trust that my Sailors, my family, my leaders and myself instilled in me have come together to culminate a huge moment."

Sailors’ family members placed the anchor insignia on their collars while their mentors placed their new covers on their head symbolizing both the physical and mental transition preparation accomplished of the promoted.

"Seeing the heritage, learning about it through this whole process, actually embracing it and being a part of that heritage makes me feel close to home," said Chief Petty Officer Chad Sinclair, a newly promoted Chief. "When these anchors are put on, the feelings you get from the mess is not like any other service in the world; it certainly stands apart, and I’m just honored to be a part of that.

The weeks of transition training for prospective chief petty officers includes a personnel fitness plan for each selected chief, engaging in scenarios to be better workplace supervisors leading petty officers, participating in community service events, meeting each selected Chief’s family, meeting with the spouse of the selected chiefs and completing chief petty officer leadership and heritage courses.

"What they went through was a just a taste in the daily life of a chief petty officer," said Senior Chief Petty Officer Joseph David Rawson, one of two presidents for the graduating class. "Now it’s about being ‘the Chief’ and not just a Chief, so they have to act accordingly, uphold traditions and honors, display good order and discipline and take care of those around them. It’s the most challenging job they’ll ever face."

• Date Taken: 09.16.2016
• Date Posted: 09.22.2016 12:03
• Story ID: 210264
• Location: CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, US