Photo By Christopher Jones | HMC Peter Munoz and HMC Jacob Tester attend NMTRC Twentynine Palms’s 2024 Chief...... read more read more
The Navy Chief Petty Officer (CPO) pinning ceremony is more than just a promotion — it's the result of years of unwavering dedication and a test of true leadership. As anchors are ceremoniously pinned to their collars and the iconic combination cover is placed on their heads, new chiefs cross into a role that few ever achieve.
Earning the title of "Chief" is no small feat; it demands passing tough exams, excelling in performance evaluations, and in most cases enduring a six-week initiation filled with physical challenges, team-building exercises, and deep dives into Navy tradition. Chiefs form the backbone of the fleet, serving as a vital link between officers and enlisted, while guiding and advocating for their Sailors.
For the two newest chiefs at Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Twentynine Palms, their recent Sept. 27, 2024 pinning symbolizes the culmination of the long and challenging journey taken to earn their anchors.
HMC (Chief Hospital Corpsman) Peter Joseph Munoz from El Paso, Texas, and HMC Jacob E. Tester from Kingston, Washington, both bring with them diverse backgrounds that highlight the unique experiences that shape a chief’s role. Their stories stand as a testament to the broad spectrum of ways to serve in Navy Medicine.
Peter Joseph Munoz’s decision to join the Navy was inspired by an interest discovered in college. After completing a firefighting degree, it was the medical side of the training that sparked his passion.
“I decided to join the military after I completed a college firefighting degree, and the medical portion of the program was what I loved the most,” said Munoz, a surgical technologist at NMRTC Twentynine Palms.
His decision was also influenced by his family’s long history of military service.
“My family has been military affiliated since World War II — both Army and Navy — it was an easy choice to join the Navy and continue our heritage,” he explained.
Munoz’s career in Navy Medicine officially began at Naval Hospital Bremerton, setting him on a trajectory that would eventually lead him to being pinned as a chief in 2024.
Along the way, Munoz has accumulated a breadth of diverse experiences as a corpsman, serving in both clinical settings and forward-deployed environments.
“Having the honor of being a member of the most decorated rate in the U.S. Navy — and the only enlisted Corps — has provided me with skills that cannot be replicated. As a pipelined surgical technologist, my tours have been four years at commands… I had so much support while progressing through my career, but I never had someone try to keep me in the surgical field,” Munoz explained. “They always pushed myself and the rest of the techs to get out and learn something new or try something different.”
Munoz’s most recent assignment at NMRTC Twentynine Palms came after a forward deployment in Japan. Though Twentynine Palms, California never topped his wish list, it quickly proved to be a transformative posting.
“I arrived at Twentynine Palms in April 2021 after being forward deployed in Japan,” Munoz recalled. “Twentynine Palms was not my first choice, but it ended up being the best opportunity in my Naval career.”
This unplanned adventure became a pivotal moment for Munoz, not only in terms of career growth but also in preparing him for the leadership role he now embraces as a chief. In 2023, Munoz was honored as Sailor of the Year (SOY) for Navy Medicine, a recognition that rewarded his dedication as a surgical technologist and commitment to serving.
“There are countless reasons that led to my selection as BUMED (Bureau of Medicine and Surgery) SOY. I would be lying if I said I did not have a part in it, but I was supported the entire way through by my leaders, mentors, family, but most importantly all of my junior enlisted and officers,” Munoz said. “I was overcome with emotions and just had a reality check that it actually happened. My friends, family, and Sailors were so excited, yelling, running around, and just telling me how proud they were. I had people waiting at the airport on the flight back to bring me home.”
For Munoz, being pinned as a chief represents more than just a rank or title — it is an opportunity to give back to the Sailors he serves.
“The feeling is surreal. It means so much for me to become the chief that our Sailors deserve,” expressed Munoz. “I am extremely lucky to have my family supporting me and able to attend the pinning ceremony.”
Munoz also explained the significance behind the SW that follows his rank, sharing that it stands for Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS), a qualification earned by enlisted Sailors who serve aboard U.S. Naval vessels.
"It was (earned on) my first ship, so this was an incredible honor to pass my boards and be pinned," Munoz said, reflecting on the achievement.
Earning ESWS involves a rigorous process, including extensive training and passing a final board, distinguishing Sailors who have demonstrated advanced knowledge and proficiency in surface warfare operations.
As a newly promoted chief, Munoz is clear on what the role means to him. It is about mentorship, leadership, and embodying the values that Sailors look up to.
“Joining as an E-2, I was oblivious to so many things, but learning throughout each tour and rank has been so eye opening, specifically with all of the changes to Navy Medicine and our Navy,” Munoz shared. “Our culture is always evolving but what hasn’t changed is our commitment to the warfighters and Honor, Courage and Commitment. We have a responsibility to be a fighting force and sea force that protects our country and surrounding countries.”
Munoz’s day-to-day duties vary significantly now that he is serving as a chief at NMRTC Twentynine Palms.
“Daily roles at Twentynine Palms can range from basic medical care, transfers of severe patients, or taking care of our regiment counterparts, to ceremonies and observances,” he said. “However, any given day, there is something completely different from any other command.”
Munoz recognizes the unique challenges of serving in a smaller Chief's Mess at Twentynine Palms, but views it as an opportunity for greater involvement and leadership.
“Being a chief at Twentynine Palms is a big responsibility since the mess is smaller than other commands, but that empowers so much more ownership of the Chief’s Mess,” he added.
While Munoz’s journey began in firefighting, HMC Jacob E. Tester’s path to chief was born out of a desire to serve in the medical field amidst the growing global conflicts of the early 2000s.
Tester is a general corpsman who recently arrived at NMRTC Twentynine Palms in Sept. 2024. He decided to join the Navy in 2006 while working for a clothing company in Seattle. At the time, he was applying to various fire departments in the Pacific Northwest but soon found that his passion for medicine called for a different path.
“I realized that all I wanted to do was work in the medical field, and the Middle East seemed like a good place to learn,” Tester said, reflecting on his decision to join the Navy.
What followed was a diverse and wide-ranging career that took Tester across the globe. His service has spanned multiple deployments across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Asia. From working at his first naval hospital to serving with Marines and Seabees in nations caught in conflict, Tester’s experiences have shaped him into the leader he is today.
“I started at Naval Hospital Bremerton in 2007 and was fortunate to deploy as an individual augmentee to 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines to Iraq,” Tester said.
From there, he transferred to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3 (NMCB3) in Port Hueneme, California, where he would deploy three more times over the course of four years.
“With NMCB3, I traveled to Afghanistan, Djibouti, Spain, Ghana, Togo, and the Philippines during this time. I hope to travel more in the future,” he added.
Along the way, Tester earned his qualifications as both a Fleet Marine Force (FMF) Corpsman and a Seabee Combat Warfare (SCW) Specialist — two distinctions that hold deep personal meaning for him.
“Warfare devices such as Fleet Marine Force (FMF) and Seabee Combat Warfare (SCW) are part of my history as a Sailor,” Tester explained. “I first qualified as FMF while serving with 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines in Iraq in 2009 and later qualified SCW with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3 in Afghanistan in 2011. I am grateful for the experience to serve with both units and proud to have earned these warfare devices.”
In 2014, Tester reported to the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) in San Jose, Calif., where he worked closely with all branches of the military, ensuring new recruits were properly processed and medically cleared for service.
"I truly enjoyed working with the team at that command," Tester said, recalling the positive environment.
By 2018, Tester transitioned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 473 in Lemoore, Calif. In this role, he was responsible for managing medical care for a reserve unit of Marines and Sailors, ensuring their health and readiness for deployment.
Tester then checked into 7th Regiment at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC) Twentynine Palms in 2021, where he attended Career Counselor School and served as the Leading Petty Officer (LPO) for 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines. In this leadership role, he guided junior Sailors and helped manage the battalion's medical operations. There, Tester also deployed to Japan, contributing to the regiment’s operational success abroad.
Each duty station and deployment presented its own set of challenges and learning opportunities, but Tester thrived in the unique environments he encountered. His time with the Seabees, in particular, fostered a deep appreciation for the construction trades and the camaraderie that comes with serving alongside a diverse group of Sailors.
“I really enjoyed my time with the Seabees and fell in love with the construction trades,” Tester said. “My role as an HM (Hospital Corpsman) has changed as my skills and experience have evolved throughout the years. From working on the ward as an HN (Hospitalman), to managing sick call while deployed as an HM2 (Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class), to recently leading Sailors as LPO (Lead Petty Officer) — it all builds upon itself to prepare me for my challenges to come as a chief.”
During his recent chief pinning at NMRTC Twentynine Palms, Tester also was given a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, which is awarded to service members who distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement or meritorious service.
One common thread between Munoz and Tester’s stories is the importance of family and mentorship in their journeys to becoming chiefs. For Munoz, the support of his family has been a constant source of strength.
“My family will always be my priority and will keep me humble and aware of my decisions,” Munoz said.
He is also grateful to the many mentors who helped guide him along the way, including fellow Sailors and leaders from each of his commands.
“I’ve had so many (mentors), but my entire family has always supported me, my mentors from my first command to now, Alex Bransdorf, Laura Blanco, Josh Reid, Fred Hannah, Chad McFall, and those who think they only had a small part in my life — you made me who I am,” Munoz said.
Tester shares a similar sentiment, particularly when it comes to his son, Solon Tester. His decision to remain at Twentynine Palms after departing from the 7th Regiment was driven by a desire to stay close to Solon, who lives in nearby Atwater, Calif.
“I wanted to stay in Twentynine Palms to stay close to my son, Solon, and work on developing my properties locally,” Tester explained.
As for his professional mentors, Tester explained there are many individuals who played pivotal roles in shaping his career, though he is quick to point out that there are simply too many to name.
Now, as newly pinned chiefs, both Munoz and Tester are focused on the future. For Munoz, he feels the possibilities are endless.
“I think it is too early to say what exactly my plans are, but becoming a Master Chief and eventually the first openly gay MCPON (Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy) as our Navy transitions for whatever the future holds is something I strive for.”
Tester wants to continue focusing on encouraging other Sailors to leverage opportunities to serve overseas, helping others achieve their potential, and providing for his family.
“One of the most rewarding parts of my Navy career has been traveling the world and experiencing different cultures firsthand,” Tester recalled. “Now that I’m at Naval Hospital Twentynine Palms, I hope to inspire others to travel throughout their careers in the Navy. I also endeavor to simply assist Sailors to achieve their goals and build a life that my son will be proud of.”
Both chiefs plan on jumping right into the leadership responsibilities of their roles at NMRTC Twentynine Palms, eager to share the lessons they wish they had known when they were in their juniors' boots.
“My advice would be to work hard,” expressed Tester. “Challenges build character and resilience, so face them with positivity. Listen to advice from your mentors, do the research, and push towards your goals.”
“Looking at any situation as an opportunity rather than good or bad is what I have learned throughout my career,” Munoz advised. “Any situation we encounter cannot bring us down — it is what makes us who we are.”
With newly pinned chiefs like Munoz and Tester answering the call to lead every year, Navy Medicine’s future possibly looks brighter than ever.
| Date Taken: | 10.21.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 10.21.2024 16:27 |
| Story ID: | 483579 |
| Location: | TWENTYNINE PALMS, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Hometown: | EL PASO, TEXAS, US |
| Hometown: | KINGSTON, WASHINGTON, US |
| Web Views: | 99 |
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