Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor Holds Chief Pinning Ceremony

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Ryan Batchelder | 170915-N-EH218-049 SILVERDALE, Wash. (Sept. 15, 2017) Chief Master-at-Arms Chris Noeth, assigned to Naval Magazine Indian Island, is pinned with his anchors by Chief Master-at-Arms Aleese Anderson and his wife, Amanda, during a Chief Petty Officer (CPO) pinning ceremony at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor. The rank of CPO is that of a senior non-commissioned officer, and was established on April 1, 1893, for the United States Navy. CPOs serve a dual role as both technical experts and as leaders. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ryan J. Batchelder/Released)  

SILVERDALE, WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES

09.15.2017

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Wyatt Anthony  

Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Det. Northwest

SILVERDALE, Wash. – 12 Sailors assigned to Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, Naval Magazine Indian Island, Trident Training Facility (TTF) Bangor and Submarine Group Nine donned their khaki uniforms and combination covers for the first time after earning the title of “Chief” during a Chief Petty Officer (CPO) pinning ceremony at the Bangor Plaza Ballroom, Sept. 15.

“Today is just indescribable,” said newly frocked Chief Electronics Technician (Submarine) Navigation Timothy French, assigned to TTF. “There is no way to condense all of the feelings and emotions down into words.”

The CPO pinning ceremony is a tradition unique to the Navy, which dates to 1893 when the CPO paygrade was created. The ceremony signifies a new position of leadership that carries unique additional responsibilities and privileges that do not appear in print, but exist because of 200 years of naval heritage.

“You are now a member of one of the greatest orders of the United States military,” said guest speaker, Master Chief Aviation Maintenance Administrationman (ret.) Angela Mattison-Lindbom during her speech. “It is anticipated and expected of you to honor the CPO creed that you are about to take. You are the chief, do not ever forget that.”

The ceremony is preceded by a six-week training period known as CPO 365 Phase Two, which begins when the CPO advancement results are released. During phase two, senior leaders introduced the Chief selects to challenges designed to strengthen their leadership skills and to provide a better understanding of what it means to be a Navy Chief. Phase two also includes training on the history and traditions of the CPO mess, tough physical challenges, mentorship and many other responsibilities.

“The past 6-weeks are only the beginning,” said Mattison-Lindbom. “You’re junior Sailors, and even the wardroom, will now look to you for answers and help.”

During the ceremony family members, friends and mentors pin two gold anchors to each newly appointed chief’s uniform, and the Sailor’s sponsor places the combination cover atop of the new chief’s head.

“Having my family here to pin me is the greatest feeling ever,” said newly frocked Chief Missile Technician Nathan Parker, assigned to TTF. “My family is a big reason why I am here today, and I definitely had to choke back some tears when they pinned me.”

• Date Taken: 09.15.2017
• Date Posted: 09.15.2017 21:58
• Story ID: 248512
• Location: SILVERDALE, WASHINGTON, US