Photo By Douglas Stutz | Lending voice in leading from the front...the Class of 124 Chief Petty Officers at...... read more read more
Robert Alisasis and David Squires officially acquired new first names on Sept. 15, 2017.
Chief Hospital Corpsmen Alisasis and Squires will henceforth be known as ‘chief,’ as they joined the ranks of United States Navy Chief Petty Officers during a traditional pinning ceremony at Naval Hospital Bremerton (NHB).
“This is the 124th Chief Petty Officer Pinning Ceremony. Today, our selectees are joining a proud and strong 124 year old tradition of leadership in our Navy. You are not just present for the advancement of these two first class petty officers to the next higher pay grade, but also to share in the most significant transition that they will ever make in their naval career,” said HMC Joseph Montes, addressing NHB leadership, staff members, family, friends and the entire NHB Chief’s Mess.
Montes explained that the goal of the chief transition process – a six week long affair – included congratulating, welcoming, inspiring, instilling trust, and motivating the chief selectees while simultaneously teaching leadership, establishing esprit de corps, promoting unity, and building teamwork. Selectees join group physical fitness routines, further enhance their knowledge on naval heritage, and also participated in core values discussions, leadership and teamwork training efforts.
“This ceremony culminates the weeks of training, assignments and hard work of those standing before you now,” Montes said, adding that no other armed force has a rank equivalent to that of the chief in the United States Navy.
“While it is true that all armed forces have two classes of rank with enlisted and commissioned, the United States Navy has the distinction of having an additional class of service with the bureau appointed chief petty officer. This is what makes the title of ‘chief’ even more distinctive. Although the paygrades E-7 through E-9 are equivalent to those of other services, the Navy is unique in that it confers much more authority and responsibility while demanding more performance and results than any of the other services,” stated Montes.
According to Capt. Jeffrey Bitterman, NHB Commanding Officer, that distinction of the Navy chief is what continually poses a conundrum to other branches of the service.
“I have been asked by U.S. Army members just what it is that makes a Navy chief petty officer so special and effective. I reply that it’s a Navy chief stepping in to leadership and responsibilities. Our new chiefs will be humble servant leaders and I am proud to be your commanding officer,” said Bitterman.
For Alisasis, a Guam native, his journey to the mess began in 1999, with varied tours, serving in such locales as Naval Dental Center Europe, Naples and amphibious transport dock USS Dubuque (LPD 8), several tours on Okinawa assigned to U.S. Marine Corps units, Naval Medical Center San Diego and two tours at NHB.
“I had begun to wonder if I would make it. But I put my trust in God and knew if I kept doing my best that there was a chance that it would all work out and I would get selected. My family is very happy and very proud,” shared Alisasis.
“It is so great to see him put his anchors on!’ exclaimed recently retired HMC Maribel Neanover.
Squires transferred approximately six months ago to NHB from 1st Marine Division where he was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as well as Resolute Support Mission as leading petty officer, Georgian Deployment Program Rotation 14. He joined the Navy in 2005 after graduating from Waynesburg Central High School, Pennsylvania in 2004.
“Being selected for chief was a great surprise and greater honor,” Squires said.
NHB Command Master Chief James Reynolds noted that Navy chiefs have a tendency not to seek the limelight but this day does provide them with a platform to showcase that they have made the grade and have deserved the right to be called, ‘chief.’
“A Navy chief is there for the command and for the Sailors. On this day, they have earned their place in our chief’s mess,” Reynolds said.
As any of the approximately 36 active duty chief petty officers assigned to NHB and retired chiefs also taking part in the traditional ceremony will readily attest, Alisasis and Squires went through a name change like no other.
That name change is a culmination of 124 years and counting of hallowed Navy tradition.
| Date Taken: | 09.15.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 09.15.2017 17:17 |
| Story ID: | 248494 |
| Location: | BREMERTON , WASHINGTON, US |
| Web Views: | 485 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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