Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Natalia Murillo | FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Sept. 16, 2025) Five Sailors attached to Navy Talent...... read more read more
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.– Five Sailors attached to Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Miami were pinned to the rank of chief petty officer (CPO) during a chief petty officer pinning ceremony held inside the Mary N. Porter Sea Cadet Training Center, September 16, 2025.
NTAG Miami Sailors and members from the community gathered in support of the following new chief petty officers:
Chief Navy Counselor (Recruiting) Jason Catano
Chief Navy Counselor (Recruiting) Christopher Donahue
Chief Navy Counselor (Recruiting) Benjamin Dove
Chief Hospital Corpsman Paul McNair
Chief Yeoman Yashua Reid
“I feel amazing,” said Reid, reflecting on his achievement. “I was able to accomplish becoming chief in a short period of time and show my family that I’m not stagnant and that I can go far in the time I have left in the Navy.”
The chief petty officer pinning ceremony is a Navy tradition symbolizing the transition of selected Sailors into the service’s senior enlisted leadership ranks. The event highlights the added responsibilities, authority and expectations placed on chiefs as they guide and mentor junior Sailors.
Before earning their anchors, the new chiefs completed a six-week training and initiation period designed to test their leadership, resilience and ability to mentor junior Sailors. Newly frocked chief, Reid, believes the experience, known as chiefs season, instills a deep understanding of Navy traditions.
“We learned a lot about Naval history and heritage in our six weeks of training during chief season.” said Reid, “You learn a lot about tradition so if you are not who has had that ingrained in you, this experience brings it to your career as a Sailor. It was a humbling experience.”
Keeping in line with Navy tradition, NTAG Miami’s new chief petty officers opened the ceremony by singing the Navy anthem “Anchors Aweigh” as they marched before an audience of family, friends, mentors and peers. Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps students from G. Holmes Braddock Senior High School then presented the colors.
Master Chief Hospital Corpsman Noel Martinez, a native of Miami and medical master chief, Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, served as guest speaker and addressed the newly pinned chiefs. Martinez, who enlisted through a Miami recruiting office nearly 27 years ago, credited his chiefs for guiding his career.
“Let me be clear, I didn’t get here alone,” said Martinez. “Along the way there were chiefs who steadied me, corrected me and who believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself; chiefs who taught me how to be a professional and care for Sailors and how to lead. Without them, I would not be standing here today. That is why the work you do while at Navy Talent Acquisition Group Miami matters so much.”
Martinez believes that the NTAG Miami Sailors are not just meeting the Navy’s enlistment goals but rather, finding men and women who will one day be shaped by chiefs like the ones present at the ceremony. He addressed the recruiters’ long hours spent reaching applicants and earning their trust, not only to secure a commitment to service but also to build the Navy’s future with each new Sailor.
“Every recruit that walks through your doors has the potential to go further than they ever dreamed of,” said Martinez. “I know this because 27 years ago I was one of them. Our recruiters are the frontline of readiness. While most of those in the fleet will never see the grind, (you) see it.“
To the new chiefs, he emphasized that they are taking a unique role in the Navy, accepting the call to lead, mentor and set the standard when no one else will. He believes chiefs shape Sailors into warriors and future leaders who will one day wear anchors of their own, and he encouraged them to carry that responsibility forward.
For many, this transition into the rank and role of a Chief Petty Officer serves as a growth spurt in leadership and personal development. The traditional ceremony recognizes what may be the most significant promotion of an enlisted Navy Sailor’s career.
NTAG Miami Command Master Chief Cesar Rojas recognized those who supported this year’s ceremony and class of incoming chiefs, thanking NTAG Miami Commanding Officer Cmdr. Amanda Sciberras for signing off on their chief season and the families and fellow chiefs for facilitating training and events.
“Thank you to our commanding officer and executive officer for supporting us and leading us,” said Rojas. “Second, I would like to thank the families. Thank you for being here. It’s truly a remarkable job of support that you do as families- and we couldn’t do it without you,” said Rojas.
This year marks Rojas’ 15th supporting chiefs season, and he noted his family has stood by him throughout. He thanked the Fort Lauderdale Sea Cadets for providing the facility and the NJROTC students from G. Holmes Braddock Senior High School for presenting the colors, recognizing both programs as part of the Navy’s future. He emphasized the importance of holding the chief pinning on Sept. 16, noting the date carries special significance, and closed by highlighting the importance of observing the ceremony today.
“Last but not least, I want to thank my Navy chiefs," he said. “Today, all around the world - including last night- our entire navy was doing the exact same thing. Just as you're here, many people around the world are joining you so you are not alone. My chiefs, thank you because we couldn’t do it without you. You are the backbone that drives this entire thing. You are the reason why we make this happen and without you it couldn't be possible. It takes one to make one.”
All chiefs present resounded with a chant of ‘Navy Chief, Navy Pride.’
Family members and mentors joined each new chief petty officer on stage to place gold-fouled anchors on their collars and set combination covers on their heads, marking the completion of their khaki uniforms and their official advancement.
Reid shared words for those who may have missed the mark this year on their own achievement to the CPO rank.
"For the people who didn’t make it, lean on your mentors,” said Reid. “Study, see what’s missing from your record, step outside the box and do things others aren’t doing. There’s no secret to advancing — it’s in your ladder and in your precepts.”
The rank of chief petty officer was established in 1893 by executive order of President Benjamin Harrison. Today, selection is made by a panel of chiefs, senior chiefs and master chiefs who evaluate first class petty officers on leadership performance, professional achievements and advancement exam results.
NTAG Miami has 38 recruiting locations throughout South Florida, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, with the combined mission to recruit the highest caliber Sailors to meet the needs of the fleet.
If you are interested in perhaps becoming a Navy chief petty officer someday, start your journey with a stop by www.navy.mil or give us a call today at 954-295-1628 and let us help you get you started.
| Date Taken: | 09.16.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.18.2025 15:08 |
| Story ID: | 548529 |
| Location: | FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA, US |
| Hometown: | CLEARWATER, FLORIDA, US |
| Hometown: | FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA, US |
| Hometown: | MIAMI, FLORIDA, US |
| Hometown: | TAMPA, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 15 |
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