Navy Chief Petty Officers Celebrate Birthday with a 5K

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Spencer Mickler, Naval Base San Diego Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- More than 800 service members participated in the 2nd Annual Chief Petty Officer Birthday 5K Run/Walk at Naval Base San Diego, March 30.

The event celebrated 119 years of the chief petty officer rank in the Navy, and also served as the kick off for the Year of the Chief. The Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C., has designated 2012 as the Year of the Chief, highlighting the history and contributions of Navy Chief Petty Officers.

"We put this run together to celebrate, to engage the region and the Sailors in the area, and to give chiefs a presence," said Chief Cryptologic Technician Technical Katy Willdigg, event coordinator.

Participants from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and 61 regional commands started and finished the run at Admiral Prout Field. Among those first to finish was Chief Information Systems Technician Rachel Doucet, assigned to Hopper Information Services Center.

"Putting this out there allows us to get together with our junior Sailors, our officers and represent the chiefs," said Doucet.

Senior Chief Religious Program Specialist Marcus Taylor, Year of the Chief Committee Chairman, also participated in the event and spoke to crowd about the important role chief petty officers have in history and their continued contributions to the Navy.

Taylor said, "This event was all about recognizing chiefs and creating camaraderie between those who ran today. Keep your ear to the ground for more events in honor of Year of the Chief."