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Hawaii-area chief petty officers (CPOs) and first class petty officers came together this week to take part in various pride and heritage events held to commemorate the 125th birthday of the United States Navy chief petty officer.
This year’s theme is “Strength in the Mess; Forged by the Creed.”
On April 1, 1893, Navy General Order 409 established the rank of CPO (Chief Petty Officer) in the Navy as the highest rate an enlisted sailor could earn, shepherding in a legacy of heritage in the U.S. Navy and providing junior Sailors with a new breed of leadership.
“The best advice I can give new and aspiring chiefs is to take care of your Sailors,” said Chief Culinary Specialist Cynthia Lynn Cruz. “They’re your biggest assets, so be honest with them. Communicate with them. They’re the ones who are going to get you where you need to be.”
Since the day it was created, the rank is celebrated every year to honor the service of chief petty officers who commit to mentoring their junior Sailors and instilling in them the Navy core values of honor, courage, and commitment.
Command Senior Chief Melissa Ochoa, who helped facilitate this year’s events, also had an advice for new and future chiefs who hope to lead with responsibility and by example with loyalty, pride, and character.
“Nothing is carved in stone, and you can change anything in your life if you want it badly enough,” said Ochoa. “Those who take responsibility for their actions are the real winners in life. Winners meet life challenges head on, knowing there are no guarantees, and give all they’ve got. Never think it’s too late or early to begin, time plays no favorites and will pass whether you act or not.”
CPOs on Oahu celebrated the birth of their rank with events including a wreath laying aboard the USS Arizona Memorial, a “best of the mess” physical training competition, a community outreach event at Tripler Army Medical Center’s Community Living Center, a CPO Scholarship Fund Invitational Golf Tournament, and an observance of morning colors aboard USS Missouri. The week will culminate with the 125th CPO Birthday Ball.
The rank of chief petty officer was established to provide deckplate leadership and officially bridge the gap between enlisted and officer ranks. The Navy added senior and master chief petty officers to the enlisted ranks on June 1, 1958, adding more weight to the already heavy anchor collar devices.
For more information please visit: www.navy.mil
| Date Taken: | 04.04.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 04.04.2018 21:09 |
| Story ID: | 271806 |
| Location: | PEARL HARBOR, HI, US |
| Web Views: | 148 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
This work, Hawaii-Area Chief Petty Officers Celebrate 125th Birthday, by Justin Pacheco, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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