Photo By Lt.j.g. Drew Verbis | 211119-N-AS200-1613 (Nov. 19, 2021) POINT MUGU, Calif. – Twenty-six new chief...... read more read more
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VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. (NNS) – Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) celebrated the pinning of sixty-two chief petty officers (CPO) from perspective commands during traditional ceremonies onboard Port Hueneme and Point Mugu, Nov. 19, 2021.
The CPO grade (E-7), unique to the Navy, was issued through executive order by President Benjamin Harris on April 1, 1893; formalizing a tradition that consisted of the senior, most experienced, rated sailor as the "chief,” who was designated by the commanding officer as the one in charge of his peers.
“I congratulate all the new chiefs on this tremendous accomplishment, as years of hard work and dedication culminate in your achievements today as the heirs to tradition and leadership,” said Capt. Robert Kimnach III, commanding officer, NBVC. “Chiefs are both technical experts and deck plate leaders and with the honor and respect they get, comes the challenges of leadership. They are the ones who are looked upon to make things happen in the Navy, to honor those who have gone before and to build a path for those who will follow.”
For the new chiefs, the ceremony marked the completion of a six-week induction process, often referred to as the “Season of Pride” and culminating into CPO 365 Phase II training, which introduced new challenges designed to strengthen and enhance “deck-plate” leadership.
“Being inducted into the mess is a feeling I can’t put into words,” said Chief Petty Officer Sean Sellers, assigned to NBVC. “But, I didn’t get here on my own and this ceremony isn’t about recognition or individual accomplishments. It’s about honoring those who served with us, made us better, and helped us to achieve things we didn’t think were possible. Today and always, we’re here for them.”
NBVC selectees are just a few of the hundreds Navy-wide who were pinned with the coveted fouled anchor during a time-honored ceremony which signifies their status as "backbones of the Navy fleet."
“The expectation of a Naval officer is simple, it is perfection,” said Capt. Matthew Riethmiller, commodore, Naval Construction Group One. “If that sounds like an impossible standard, it probably is, except for one fact, we give them the greatest blunt object in the history of mankind; we give them the Navy chief petty officer. Although the chief will follow, they will mentor. Although the chief will serve, they will guide; and together they will achieve perfection which cannot be achieved individually.”
“A chief has guided me at every point of my career,” said Kimnach. “Whenever there was a great challenge, there was a Navy chief who answered the call.”
Family, friends, mentors, and sponsors were invited to participate in completing their new chief’s khaki uniform by pinning fouled anchors on their collars and placing combination covers on their heads.
“During your service you’re been called many things,” said Senior Chief Petty Officer (ret.) Corey Stevens.” “You’ve been called recruits, petty officers, yeoman’s, cooks, Seabees, selectees. But after this special day, there is only one thing you can be called, “The Chief.””
NBVC is comprised of three distinct operational facilities: Point Mugu, Port Hueneme and San Nicolas Island. NBVC supports the Fleet, Fighter and Family by providing effective and efficient readiness from the shore. Home to the Pacific Coast Seabees, the Westcoast Hawkeyes, 3 warfare centers and the U.S. Navy’s “Ghost Fleet,” unmanned air and sea vehicles. It is Ventura Counties largest employer and protects Southern California’s largest coastal wetlands through its award-winning environmental program.
| Date Taken: | 11.21.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 11.21.2021 21:53 |
| Story ID: | 409747 |
| Location: | PORT HUENEME, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 718 |
| Downloads: | 8 |
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