U.S. Naval Base Guam Hosts CPO Pinning

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Peter Lewis, U.S. Naval Forces, Marianas Public Affairs

Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs

SANTA RITA, Guam (NNS) -- Fourteen Guam Sailors celebrated a career milestone as they were among the first in the fleet to pin on their anchors and accept the rank and responsibilities of chief petty officer, during a pinning ceremony at the Big Screen Theater on U.S. Naval Base Guam (NBG), Sept. 16.

Guest speaker, Capt. Richard Wood, NBG's commanding officer, spoke to the new members of the chief's mess about the history and pride of the Navy chief.

"Since the promotion of the first chief petty officer in 1893, the Navy has relied on the chief to run the ship, the battalion, the squadron, the base; to train the junior officers and the Sailors who volunteer to defend our country and sea; to uphold the customs and traditions and standards of a service steeped in history all the way back to the earliest days of sail; and to mentor those who aspire to positions of leadership," Wood said.

Wood told the new chiefs that the Navy expects them to maintain the superior performance that got them to their current rank.

"The Navy has not promoted you to the rank of chief petty officer because of what you have done," he said. "You have been promoted because of what we expect you to do."

During the ceremony, each of the new chiefs marched individually through sideboys for everyone in attendance to see and cheer.

Family members and friends pinned on two gold anchors to each newly appointed chief's uniform and the Sailors' sponsors placed a combination cover on their head.

Once all the chiefs had been pinned, they joined together to sing "Anchors Aweigh," a time honored Navy-themed song, to close the ceremony.

The new chiefs were in agreement that their new authority and responsibility will help them to keep the U.S. Navy the best and strongest in the world.

"Being a chief versus being a first class, I have a better chance of molding Sailors and bettering the Navy," said Chief Machinist Mate (SS) Philip Parcell, of Commander, Submarine Squadron 15. "This is the proudest day of my life."

The chief petty officer rank was established by the Navy on April 1, 1893. Chief petty officers are expected to act as both technical experts and naval leaders.