Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Jackson Adkins | 1st Class Petty Officers selected for the rank of Chief Petty Officer assigned to the...... read more read more
Subscribe
The first-in-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) held the Fiscal Year-23 Chief Pinning Ceremony, recognizing the 56 newest members of Ford, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2, and Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12’s Chiefs Mess, in the ship’s hangar bay, Oct. 21, 2022, during the ship’s first deployment.
“I can think of no more fitting location that is more symbolic to honor this year’s selection of outstanding chief petty officers than aboard America’s most powerful, most capable, most advanced warship the world has ever put to sea,” said Capt. Daryl Trent, commander, CVW 8 and honorary chief petty officer, during the ceremony. “And then to add the historical significance of being on her maiden deployment while we train for the inevitable fight.”
The fouled anchor insignia of the Navy Chief symbolizes the trials and tribulations that every chief endures on a daily basis, which includes a length of chain attached to the anchor, representing flexibility, while the letters U-S-N stand for unity, service and navigation. The anchor itself embodies the hope and glory of chief petty officers.
“What inspires our Sailors? What keeps them going at such a demanding and tiring task,” asked Capt. Paul Lanzilotta, Ford’s commanding officer, while addressing the ceremony’s attendees. “I submit it is two things. First, leadership on the deck plates; it should be inspiring. These chiefs will do that and will do that every day in port or at sea, on duty and when on liberty. I would say the other key element, certainly for me, to sustain our service at sea, is our family. Family loves us when we are discouraged and disappointed. Family celebrates with us when we are having the best of days and making dreams come true. But today especially, as we pin anchors on these men and women, we should stop and celebrate how awesome our friends and families are.”
After the commanding officer’s remarks, the new chiefs had their anchors pinned to their collars and combination covers placed on their heads.
“I feel very accomplished,” said Chief Legalman Shana Clark, from Chicago, after being pinned. “I have been waiting on this moment my entire career. It’s just a wonderful feeling.”
The ceremony was the conclusion of six weeks of tailored training and development, turning first class petty officers into chiefs.
“Being a chief is difficult at times,” said Ford’s Command Master Chief Bryan Davis as he addressed the newly selected chiefs as the ceremony’s guest speaker. “But you can never forget that the strength of our Navy relies on the strength of the mess. You must draw inspiration from our Chief Petty Officer Creed and your fellow chiefs and endure adversity with a smile on your face and a song in your heart. You carry forward the legacy of those who came before you by ensuring the highest level of readiness in our Navy’s most entrusted asset: Our Sailors.”
The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG) is deployed in the Atlantic Ocean, conducting training and operations alongside NATO Allies and partners to enhance integrations for future operations and demonstrate the U.S. Navy’s commitment to a peaceful, stable and conflict-free Atlantic region.
| Date Taken: | 10.21.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 10.24.2022 14:53 |
| Story ID: | 431914 |
| Location: | ATLANTIC OCEAN |
| Web Views: | 284 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Anchors Underway: USS Gerald R. Ford Pins New Chiefs, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
