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USS Boxer Holds Chief Pinning Ceremony

Photo By NAVCENT Public Affairs | U.S. Sailors assigned to Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) sing...... read more read more

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY

09.15.2026

Courtesy Story

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. 5th Fleet

ARABIAN SEA (Sept. 18, 2026) U.S. Sailors and Marines assigned to Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) and 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit gathered to observe a chief petty officer pinning ceremony on the ship’s flight deck, Sept. 16, 2026.

For the 21 Sailors accepted into Boxer’s chief petty officer mess, this ceremony marks the culmination of years of commitment, hard work and sacrifice.

“Today is not the finish line. Today is the day the Navy places greater trust in you, greater authority, greater responsibility and greater expectations,” said Master Chief Petty Officer Michael Hackley, command master chief, USS Boxer. “Take care of your anchors, but more importantly take care of what they represent.”

Since its creation April 1, 1893, the chief petty officer rank represents the backbone of the U.S. Navy. These Sailors are experts within their field and tasked with upholding the highest standard of leadership among their subordinates and peers.

Chief petty officers have upheld the Navy’s traditions, been a symbol of pride and commitment, and bridged the gap between officers and enlisted personnel for 133 years.

“The Chief is required to be the fountain of wisdom,” said Senior Chief Quartermaster Candy Cherry, master of ceremonies. “A good chief and good leader will ensure his or her Sailors have the tools needed to perform the tasks that are required.”

The ceremony marks the completion of an arduous six-week initiation that emphasizes physical training, team building, unit cohesion and warfighting readiness.

Boxer’s chief petty officer mess guided selectees through the challenges of chief petty officer initiation and served as their personal mentors; providing feedback and shaping their decision-making skills – to mold them into effective leaders.

USS Boxer Commanding Officer Capt. Eli Owre applauded the Chiefs Mess for the thousands of hours they committed to developing the chief selectees through their initiation journey, as the ship continued to execute its operational tasking while deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

“It’s been humbling to witness the transformation and acceptance of our new Chiefs, who are now ready to lead from the deckplates,” said Owre. “I am confident you are the best and most fully qualified our Navy has to offer.”

The highlight of the ceremony is the pinning of the fouled anchor from mentor onto each new chief, illustrating not only the bond between the old guard and the new, but also the acceptance into an organization 133 years in the making.

Chief Hospital Corpsman Francine Pique said it felt “surreal” to receive her anchors and join the mess. The self-reflection Pique did throughout initiation made her not just appreciate what the Navy continues to offer, but now drives her to pay it forward – to her Sailors.

“When they say ‘it’s not about me anymore,’ it’s true,” said Pique. “If I don’t know something, I should take it upon myself to learn whatever that is. If I see someone struggling; peer, junior Sailors, even leaders, I will take the time to understand them and teach them.”

With the striking of two bells, each new chief passed by their now fellow chief petty officers and entered into the fold of the chief petty officer mess, now prepared to carry on the legacy of the chief petty officer rank.

Boxer is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime security and stability in the Middle East.