14 Yokosuka Area Sailors Pinned as Chiefs

Photo By Maria Dumanlang | YOKOSUKA, Japan (Sep. 14, 2018) Chief selectees stand at attention at a Chief Petty Officer pinning ceremony onboard U.S. Fleet Activities Yokosuka. Fourteen Sailors from Fleet Activities Yokosuka and commands located throughout the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility were promoted to the rank of chief petty officer at the ceremony. Fleet Activities Yokosuka provides, maintains, and operates base facilities and services in support of 7th Fleet's forward-deployed naval forces, 71 tenant commands, and 27,000 military and civilian personnel. (U.S. Navy photo by Maria Dumanlang/Released)  

YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, JAPAN

09.14.2018

Story by Kristina Doss 

Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka

YOKOSUKA, Japan (September 14, 2018) -- Fourteen Sailors representing various commands marched into a pinning ceremony at U.S. Fleet Activities Yokosuka’s Fleet Theater, voices booming in cadence, ready to receive the insignia of their new rank of chief petty officer.

Family members, friends and mentors were invited to the stage to help complete each new chief’s khaki uniform by pinning fouled anchors on their collars and placing combination covers on their heads.

These emblems don’t just represent their new rank, but the long process it took to get there and the weight of their additional responsibilities, said Rear Admiral James Pitts, Commander, Submarine Group 7, and the guest speaker at the event.

“Our Chiefs are crucial to the fighting of the ship; crucial to executing the normal battle rhythm of training, maintenance, and standards; maintaining good order and discipline; and effectively bridging the gap between officers and personnel,” said Pitts. “It is not easy. It is not for the faint of heart. But it is because of the need of this type of leader that in 1893 that the rank of chief petty officer was born.”

President Benjamin Harris issued an executive order 125 years ago creating the rank of chief petty officer. Today, chiefs are selected by a board of chiefs, senior chiefs, and master chiefs after first class Sailors show leadership potential, impressive records, and pass an advancement exam. They also endure six weeks of “intense training,” Pitts said.
Chiefs at the pinning ceremony Friday also attributed their rise to chief to good mentorship.

Chief Quartermaster Korinthia Guary of U.S. Fleet Activities Yokosuka’s Port Operations -- who was cheered on by her family, close friends, and colleagues -- said “watching other leaders and learning from them” helped her get to this point in her career.

Chief Culinary Specialist Victor A. Marrero of Fleet Activities Yokosuka agreed good mentorship was key, along with the support from junior Sailors. “If they didn’t work hard, I wouldn’t be in this position right now,” Marrero said.

Standing before his family and colleagues at the ceremony, Marrero took a moment to reflect upon the 15 years he’s been in the U.S. Navy. “It’s extremely humbling knowing what I’ve been through to get to this point,” he said. “This whole process has been powerful and eye-opening. I’m very excited.”

Command Master Chief Warren Britten, U.S. Fleet Activities Yokosuka, knows all too well the journey these new chiefs have been on to get to this point and the importance of the role they play.

“Those of us who have been through this process before truly know what it means to don the hat of the chief, so this day is very special for all of us,” Britten said. “So today, when we clasp their hands, it is meant with sincere gratitude for them coming onboard and joining an organization that has a lot of rich tradition and history.”

• Date Taken: 09.14.2018
• Date Posted: 12.27.2018 21:51
• Story ID: 305495
• Location: YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, JP