PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii – A pinning ceremony was held for 31 new chief petty officers (CPO) assigned to various commands in and around Naval Region Hawaii on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH), Sept. 16.
The pinning ceremony is a time honored tradition where selected chief petty officers are recognized as genuine chief petty officers in front of friends, family, and fellow service members.
The newest CPOs donned their fouled anchors during a ceremony attended by Navy senior leadership, who spoke about the significance of the title and responsibility of those who've earned the title of "The Chief."
"It’s my honor and a huge privilege to speak here today on one of the most important days in the lives of these soon-to-be chief petty officers," said Rear Adm. John Fuller, commander Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific. "As the chief, you are now the backbone of our Navy, our strength and our deckplate leaders. You’ve earned the right to have people say about you, 'Ask the chief.'"
The ceremony followed a six-week training period, which began in early-August, when CPO selection results were released. Over the course of the CPO 365 Phase II training period, the CPO selects were involved in training and guidance that will help them effectively lead and mentor junior Sailors and officers in the years ahead.
"I can’t describe what I’m feeling right now. It’s the happiest day of my life,” said Chief Yeoman Latesha Williams, who received her anchors at the ceremony. “To have my family be here with me all the way from North Carolina to share this moment with me is the most meaningful thing in the world.”
During the ceremony, each new chief was pinned by his or her chosen mentor and members of their family. Throughout the training phase, the mentors provided the CPO selects with the knowledge and lessons that they learned during their years of service. The training is geared toward instilling each new member of the Chiefs Mess with the confidence and appreciation for their unique position in the chain of command.
“Looking at it, it wasn’t what I expected but everything that was taught is right on point,” said Josh Glover, newly pinned chief petty officer and Taylor, Texas native.
This training opens the minds of soon-to-be chiefs and really starts them off on the right foot as they put on their anchors, said Glover.
Master Chief Navy Counselor Tyrone Jiles, one of several senior enlisted members to recite the CPO creed at the ceremony, expressed his admiration and expectations to the newest members of the Chiefs Mess.
"I'm very proud of these men and women today," said Jiles. "These are my reliefs, and the Navy needs good chiefs who are ready to lead our new generation of Sailors. It’s been a challenging six weeks for them, but they’re now in the position to be tested in their new role and make the tough calls."
In the Navy, promotion to the rank of CPO requires a Sailor to take on the dual role of technical expert and designated leader. The title of "The Chief" carries with it a tradition of knowledge, teamwork and the ability to take charge that began when the Navy first introduced the rank on April 1, 1893.