NAVELSG chief selects fitted for their new uniforms

Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group
Story by Chief Petty Officer Edward Kessler

Date: 08.21.2013
Posted: 09.30.2013 13:21
News ID: 114481
Norfolk Navy Exchange Uniform Fitting Day

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. – Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group (NAVELSG) chief petty officer selectees took one step closer to looking and feeling the part, as they and their sponsors traveled to Norfolk Navy Exchange to try on their coveted khaki uniforms and combination covers Aug. 21.

The event, held every year during CPO 365 Phase II training, is a welcome pilgrimage for all CPO selectees in the Hampton Roads area. Each CPO select, with the help of a genuine CPO sponsor, try on and pick out the necessary sea bag items for transitioning in the CPO mess.

“Just trying on khakis for the first time has made me realize just how much work goes into you by those around you,” said Chief Boatswain’s Mate (Select) Christian Giribaldi. “It is a humbling moment, a dream come true.”

While donning the coveted khaki uniform and combination cover of a CPO for the first time left its mark, obvious through large smiles stretching across the faces of the nine CPO selectees, the pride and happiness associated with the event was equally noticeable on the faces of genuine CPOs in attendance.

“It is a great honor to be asked to be a sponsor by a selectee,” said Chief Hospital Corpsman Hector Ortiz. “It’s an opportunity to reinforce those traits we see in them that they do not necessarily see in themselves.”

Once the selectees complete their induction training, which is designed to prepare them to effectively lead sailors on the deckplates, they will wear the new uniforms and CPO anchors of gold.

NAVELSG is homeported in Williamsburg, Va., with an active battalion located at Cheatham Annex; with forward-deployed detachments and reserve battalions located across the United States.

NAVELSG provides sailors with the knowledge and skills needed to support the Fleet's surface and air-handling mission. More than 100 sailors and civilians work hand-in-hand with the Fleet and are dedicated to ensuring training is current and well executed on behalf of 3,500 active duty and reserve sailors in the administration, logistics and training of their active and reserve components.