Thirty-three Sailors from various commands at Naval Station Norfolk donned khaki uniforms and combination covers for the first time during a chief petty officer pinning ceremony Sept. 13.
“It’s the greatest day of my life,” said newly pinned Chief Culinary Specialist Jesse Wallace, NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Norfolk. “To see your family there, and all your friends around, and you’re with your new family, it’s indescribable.”
The chiefs’ pinning ceremony is a tradition unique to the Navy, which dates back to 1893 when the chief petty officer paygrade was created. The ceremony signifies a new position of leadership and responsibility for the Navy.
“Over the last six weeks, the future chiefs that stand here today were tested, mentored, challenged and asked to dig deep to reach down to define many of these traits that have been there, but were not fully developed,” said guest speaker Command Master Chief Dominic Torchia, Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic. “In reality the tests have just begun, and the challenges and mentoring will, and must, continue in order to keep our chief’s mess strong, which will in turn ensure the success of our great Navy.”
During the ceremony, family members and friends pin on two gold anchors to each newly appointed chief’s uniform, and the Sailor’s sponsor places the combination cover on their heads.
Among those newly pinned were husband and wife Chief Hospital Corpsman John Flores, assigned to USS Tornado (PC-14), and Chief Culinary Specialist Angelica Flores, assigned to Naval Station Galley, who got to pin each other during the ceremony.
“We’re speechless right now. Cs getting there … it was unexpected,” Angelica Flores said. “Being chiefs now, we’re going to remain teachable to our Sailors and actually be a leader for them, make sure we direct both our junior Sailors and junior officers, as well.”
After the ceremony, families, friends, sponsors and shipmates congratulated the newly appointed chiefs on the accomplishment.
“It’s a great memory, it’s a great milestone,” said newly appointed Chief Logistics Specialist Washington Jaramillo, assigned to USS Truman (CVN 75), currently on temporary assigned duty (TAD) to COMNAVAIRLANT.
For those first class petty officers aspiring to make chief, Jaramillo offered advice from his own experience. “Sometimes it’s going to feel like it’s not paying off, sometimes it’s going to feel like you have not done enough,” Jaramillo said. “Just keep trying and keep working hard, and keep taking care of your Sailors and it will pay off.”
[mappress] Press Release, September 16, 2013