Chief Petty Officer Pinning Ceremony at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Transcript
Once again, good morning ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the United States Navy Memorial. What a truly fitting place to welcome our Navy’s newest chief petty officers as they join a rich and storied 126-year legacy. The chief petty officer pinning ceremony is a public recognition of the most significant career milestone for our enlisted ranks, and we are grateful that you are here to share it with our fiscal year ’20 Pentagon-area chief petty officer selects. My name is Master Chief Toby Ruiz, and I’m honored to be your master of ceremonies. Will the guests please rise for the arrival of the official party, and remain standing for the arrival of the fiscal year ’20 chief petty officer selects, the presentation of colors, and the invocation. Boatswain, post the sideboys.
[Man] Attention. Left, right face. (man speaking off-mic) (bell dinging) Naval operations arriving. (whistle tweeting) (band playing “Two Ruffles and Flourishes” and “Flag March”) Boatswain, post the sideboys. Ladies and gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to introduce the fiscal year ’20 Pentagon-area chief petty officer selects. Anchors away my boy Anchors aweigh Farewell to foreign shores We sail at break of day-ay-ay-ay Through our last night ashore, drink to the foam Until we meet once more here’s wishing you a happy voyage home (officer shouting) Color guard, advance the colors. (band playing “Trio to the National Emblem”)
[Woman] Guard, present colors. (band playing “Star Spangled Banner”) Colors, shoulder arms.
[Toby] Retire the colors. (band playing “Trio to the National Emblem”) Chaplain Carter will now offer our invocation.
Shall we pray? Most gracious and amazing God, we pause simply to say thank you. We thank you, Lord, for this extraordinary day that several of our Sailors have had marked on their calendar for anticipation, with a sense of pride, with a sense of honor, with a sense of courage, with a sense of commitment. But Father, we would be remiss if we didn’t pause to thank you for the men and women who have chose to make service part of their calling. We also thank you, Father, for the men, for the women, for the families, for the Sailors, for the shipmates, who continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them every step of the way. Lord, we thank you for their parents and their guardians who prayed for them when they never knew it. We thank you for the shipmates that challenged them. We thank you for the chiefs that poured into them. We thank you for the individuals that said to them, “You can do it in spite of yourself.” Father, most importantly, we also thank you that you poured into them a sense of pride, and a sense of determination to keep going when logic said to throw in the towel, but faith said to keep going. Lord, we ask right now that you be with them, challenge them, mold them, and shape them. Through this season, Lord, they learned how to trust each other, to trust their chiefs, and to be a voice in the goat locker. Lord, we also thank you because we know that it’s because of that voice that they can now be a tribune to the Sailor who desperately needs someone to lead them, desperately needs someone to guide them. As we pray right now, Lord, there is a Sailor who is currently standing in harm’s way, standing the watch for our freedom, standing the watch for our safety, and they are seeking their chief to come and to support them, to encourage them. Lord, right now, wrap your arms around them, cover them, and keep them, because you brought them here for such a time as this, and it’s in your name we give you thanks and praise, amen.
[Audience] Amen.
Thank you, Chaplain Carter. Ladies and gentlemen, you may be seated. Chief petty officer selects, parade rest. It is now my pleasure to introduce the Navy’s 15th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, MCPON Russell Smith. (audience applauding)
Good morning. Good morning.
[Audience] Good morning.
(laughing) What a wonderful day to be here in DC. The sunshine, not a cloud in the sky, well, a couple, but the sun’s right above them, so it’s great. How blessed are we to have the 32nd chief of naval operations here with us today? (audience applauding) Yeah, that’s what I’m talking about. Admiral Ishee, sir, I see you. Admiral Nowell, Admiral Kohler, thank you so much, admirals and captains, and distinguished master chiefs, and frankly, the body that sat in judgment and found these selectees worthy. The Chiefs Mess that is in attendance today. Thank you all for showing up today. Admiral Thorp, thank you, sir, for always being a great partner to the Navy, and really helping us out, and giving the chief petty officers a home here in the DC area. So thank you for doing that for us, sir. So I got a quick snapshot, I know you’re not here to hear from me, but I want to say real quickly, I got a snapshot of the experience that we have in front of us in these selectees. Over 200 years of experience represented by these men and women standing before us, although two of them are under six years time in service. Chief of Naval personnel is really throwing gas on that fire we call talent. That should astound and amaze you, but that should also speak to the experience at the other end of the spectrum of this group, and highlight that the Navy, early or late, it will find talent, and it will promote it, and it will put it in a position to good great things for our Navy. And I know you didn’t come to hear me, so I’d rather just get on with the show. It is my honor and privilege to introduce the 32nd Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Mike Gilday. (audience applauding)
Good morning. Distinguished guests, fellow flag officers, Sailors, friends of Sailors, chief petty officers, chief selects, and especially our Navy families, welcome to the Navy Memorial. I’d like to especially recognize MCPON Smith for joining me here today. It’s great to be alongside him. And this is one of our most sacred places. Admiral Thorp, thank you for all your support and for making this possible today. And this is a fitting place to hold a ceremony such as this, and to really celebrate a transformational day in the lives of those who will soon receive their anchors. For the chief selects, you won’t remember much of what I have to say this morning, except for two words: anchor up. Be the chief. That’s what I want you to leave with today. My friends chief told me that our most important weapon system in the Navy are our people. People are, and will continue to be, the most important and key competitive advantage over any adversary. The fact that I am highlighting this enduring principle 34 years after I first heard it from my chief reflects how pivotal chief petty officers have been in my life, and during my career. And that’s why it was so important to me to get down to the waterfront as soon as I can after assuming the duties of CNO, to reconnect with Sailors and their families, especially the Chiefs Mess. And the first ship I went to, USS Kearsarge, allowed me the opportunity to meet with the chiefs there. I left feeling uplifted and inspired, and once again, hooked on what I do. And that brief time only reinforced how important the institution of the Chief Petty Officer’s Mess is to our Navy, and to our nation. I use that word institution very, very carefully. When we use it, we usually indicate something that’s merely been around for a long time. That’s not what I mean today. The usage of that word in that context indicates something that’s stale, or indicates complacency. And that’s the exact opposite of what the Chiefs Mess represents. The original meaning is far better. The word institution is the action of establishing or founding. Under this definition, the institution of the Chief Petty Officer’s Mess is not who you are, or the insignia that you wear, or the fact that we’ve marked this occasion for many years, but it’s about what you do. It’s about the actions that you take day in, and day out. Even the briefest review of history demonstrates that chief petty officers are Sailors of action. Some of their names, like John Finn, or Oscar Peterson, or Peter Tomich, all chiefs who were awarded the Medal of Honor, all legends in their own right. These examples of valor and sacrifice are worthy of telling and retelling. But there is something even greater about those individual examples. Our whole Navy’s achievements over our 244-year history are due in large measure, large measure, to the training and the mentorship provided by chief petty officers. Let me tell you just briefly a bit more about what I mean. Later this year, we will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Leyte Gulf. The line of heroes we look to for inspiration from that series of combat actions is long and well-known. We’ll remember Commander Ernest Evans, we’ll remember Lieutenant Commander Robert Copeland, and Gunner’s Mate Third Class Paul Carr. A chief isn’t on that list, but the Sailors and the officers we lionize from that battle were all trained, and they were mentored by chief petty officers. And those chiefs would probably tell you that they weren’t looking for credit, and they certainly weren’t looking to get their name delivered in a speech 75 years later by a CNO. They were focused on the actions they needed to take to establish a mess, and to institute the mess every single day. They were focused on making our Navy team the most lethal weapon system in our arsenal. And they were focused on creating winners, the Sailors and officers whose actions would cement the US Navy’s combat record and show that our destroyers can fight like battleships as they did at Leyte Gulf. So, chief selects, I charge you, and those who already wear them, already wear those anchors, to think about the Chiefs Mess as an institution, the sum of daily acts both small and large, that continue to challenge those of us who wear the uniform today to rise to the standards of those who came before us. The actions that will leave our Navy in a better position tomorrow. And that can’t happen from the physical space of the Mess. I expect you to be constantly out and about in the spaces in which you work. Now we take a moment recognize the efforts of your families for they too have invested time, confidence, love, and faith that you had the potential to one day be a chief petty officer. Please join me in a round of applause for the families who’ve supported our newest generation of Navy chiefs. (audience applauding) And in closing, carrying the legacy forward of those who came before you will test you. It will draw on your skills, your knowledge, and the experiences that formed the basis of your very selection. The demands you face are tall and deep, and I have high expectations, as chief petty officers, that you will lead the Sailors that you are responsible for, and lead them well. I’m also confident that you’ll rise to meet your obligations making the most of each and every day, leading Sailors to fulfill a promise of their potential. The challenges we face as Navy, and as a nation demand that you do so. And of those who wore the anchors before you, we need your best efforts now more than ever. So chief selects, once again, anchor up. Be the chief. Thank you very much. (audience applauding)
Thank you, Admiral. One of the distinctive trademarks of the American Blue Jacket Sailor is the white hat which symbolizes a long and proud tradition of the Navy’s core values of honor, courage, and commitment. However, these Sailors assembled here today are no longer wearing that cover. Instead, as these Sailors today will join the ranks as chief petty officers, they will don a new cover, a symbol of their position and responsibility, representing an equally long and proud tradition of service. It is tradition that the sponsor of the new chief petty officer presents the new covers to the new chiefs. I will now read the frocking letters. Subject: authority to assume the title and wear the uniform of a chief petty officer. Per the military personnel manual, section 1420.060, you are authorized to assume the title and wear the uniform of a chief petty officer effective immediately. Your appointment carries with it the obligation that you will exercise increased authority and willingly accept greater responsibility, occupying now a position of greater authority. You must strive with a renewed dedication toward the valued ideal of service with honor. Congratulations. (audience applauding) At this time, our CPO selects will be pinned by their distinguished guests and will be covered by their sponsor. Boatswain, post the sideboys.
[Man] Attention. Left, right face. Forward march.
[Toby] Chief petty officer selects, attention. Chief Select Wilson, Chief Select Bennett, front and center. Chief Select Gwendolyn Wilson will be pinned by her husband, Joseph, daughter Alyssa, and son Joseph. She will be covered by her sponsor, Chief Walker. Chief Select DeRon Bennett will be pinned by his wife Angel, mother Lacristy Holland, and uncle Retired Chief Bowman. He will be covered by his sponsor, Senior Chief Thomas. (bell dinging) Chief Petty Officer Wilson arriving. (whistle tweeting) (audience cheering and applauding) (bell dinging) Chief Petty Officer Bennett arriving. (audience cheering and applauding) Chief Select Jaycox, Chief Select Marbley, front and center. Chief Select Cassandra Jaycox will be pinned by her husband Jeremy, and her father and mother John and Valerie Hall. She’ll be covered by her sponsor, Chief Temendong. Chief Select Vincent Marbley will be pinned by his wife Natalie, and his LCPO Chief Griffin. He will be covered by his sponsor, Senior Chief Adreano. (bell ringing) Chief Petty Officer Jaycox arriving. (audience cheering and applauding) (bell dinging) Chief Petty Officer Marbley arriving. (audience cheering and applauding) Chief Select Perturbos, Chief Select Slocum, front and center. Chief Select Giebenson Perturbos will be pinned by his sister Gieb Wiseman, and nephew Geriel Ortega. He will be covered by his sponsor, Chief Bettencourt. Chief Select Nicholas Slocum will be pinned by his father Terry Slocum, his uncle David Slocum, and his son Christian. He will be covered by his sponsor, Chief Aion. (bell dinging) Chief Petty Officer Perturbos arriving. (audience cheering and applauding) (bell dinging) Chief Petty Officer Slocum arriving. (audience cheering and applauding) Chief Select Sharpton, Chief Select Stallworth, front and center. Chief Select Ryan Sharpton will be pinned by his son Braden, and his father-in-law Mark Herbeck. He will be covered by his sponsor Chief Schteinbock. Chief Select Charisia Stallworth will be pinned by her children Kevy, Lacey, and Kaden. She will be covered by her sponsor Chief Thomas. (bell dinging) Chief Petty Officer Sharpton arriving. (audience applauding) (bell dinging) Chief Petty Officer Stallworth arriving. (audience cheering and applauding) Chief Select Grindle, Chief Select Dever, front and center. Chief Select Raymond Grindle will be pinned by his wife Jenny, his daughter Ariana, and his father Raymond Grindle. He will be covered by his sponsor Chief Green. Chief Select Brian Dever will be pinned by his wife Samantha and his mentor Chief Kroon. He will be covered by his sponsor Chief Mason. (bell dinging) Chief Petty Officer Grindle arriving. (audience cheering and applauding) (bell dinging) Chief Petty Officer Dever arriving. (audience applauding) Chief Select Cardenas, Chief Select Fitzwater, front and center. Chief Select Miguel Cardenas, Junior will be pinned by his mother Alisa Cardenas, and his friend Mike Staton. He will be covered by his sponsor Senior Chief Laliberty. Chief Select Jade Fitzwater will be pinned by her mother Dorie Nelson, and her grandfather Harry Stinzell. She will be covered by her sponsor Senior Chief Drachenburg. (bell dinging) Chief Petty Officer Cardenas arriving. (audience cheering and applauding) (bell dinging) Chief Petty Officer Fitzwater arriving. (audience cheering and applauding) Chief Select Carlson, Chief Select Ordonez, front and center. Chief Select Michael Carlson will be pinned by his father and mother Don and Ann Carlson, and his wife Christine. He’ll be covered by his sponsor Chief Benton. Chief Select Marcello Ordonez will be pinned by his father Marcello Ordonez, and his wife Diana, and his children Cody, Marcello, and Joaquin. He will be covered by his sponsor, Chief Robles. (bell dinging) Chief Petty Officer Carlson arriving. (audience applauding) (bell dinging) Chief Petty Officer Ordonez arriving. (audience cheering and applauding) Chief Select Fisher, Chief Select Brown, front and center. Chief Select Jonathan Fisher will be pinned by his father and mother Dale and Carol Fisher, and his girlfriend Misty Rockne. He will be covered by his sponsor, Senior Chief Barney. Chief Select Byron Brown will be pinned by his mentor Master Chief Padilla, and his co-sponsor Senior Chief Davis. He will be covered by his sponsor Senior Chief Rogers. (bell dinging) Chief Petty Officer Fisher arriving. (audience applauding) (bell dinging) Chief Petty Officer Brown arriving. (audience cheering and applauding) Chief Select Guest, front and center. Chief Select Arnell Guest will be pinned by his mother Kathy Guest, and his fiance Brittany Hibbner. He will be covered by his sponsor Chief Andreas. (bell dinging) Chief Petty Officer Guest arriving. (audience cheering and applauding) Command Master Chief Richard James will now present the chief petty officer’s creed. All chief petty officers past, present, and honorary, please rise and come to attention for the reading of the creed.
During the course of initiation, you have been caused to humbly accept challenge and face adversity. This you have accomplished with rare good grace. Pointless as some of the challenges may have seemed, there were valid, time-honored reasons behind each pointed barb. Your faith in the fellowship of chief petty officers was necessary to overcome these hurdles. The goal was to instill in you that trust is inherent with the dawning of the uniform of a chief. Our intent was to impress upon you that challenge is good, a great and necessary reality which cannot mar you; which in fact, strengthens you. In your future as a chief petty officer, you will be forced to endure adversity far beyond what has thus been imposed upon you. You must face each challenge and adversity with the same dignity and good grace you have already demonstrated. By experience, by performance, and by testing, you have been advanced to chief petty officer. In the United States Navy, and only in the United States Navy, the rank of E7 carries with it unique responsibilities and privileges you are expected to fulfill and bound to observe. Your entire way of life is changed. More will be expected of you. More will be demanded of you. Not because you are an E7, but because you are now a chief petty officer. You have not merely been promoted a pay grade, you have joined an exclusive fellowship, and as in all fellowships, you have a special responsibility to your comrades even as they have a a special responsibility to you. This is why we, in the United States Navy, may maintain with pride our feelings of accomplishment once we have attained the position of chief petty officer. Your responsibilities and privileges do not appear in print. They have no official standing. They cannot be referred to by name, number, nor file. They have existed for over 100 years because chiefs before you have freely accepted responsibility beyond the call of printed assignment. Their actions and their performance demanded the respect of their seniors, as well as their juniors. It is required that you be the fountain of wisdom, the ambassador of goodwill, the authority on personal relations, as well as in technical responsibilities. Ask the chief is a household phrase in and out of the Navy. You are the chief. The exalted position which you have achieved, and the word exalted is used advisedly. Exists because of the service, character, and performance of the chiefs before you. It shall exist only as long as you and your fellow chiefs maintain these standards. It was our intention that you never forget this day. It was our intention to test you, to try you, and to accept you. Your performance has assured us that you will wear the hat with the same pride as your comrades in arms before us. We take a deep and sincere pleasure in clasping your hand and accepting you as a chief petty officer in the United States Navy.
[Toby] Thank you, Master Chief. Ladies and gentlemen, brothers and sisters, I have the distinct pleasure, and I am honored to introduce to you 17 of our newest chief petty officers in our great United States Navy. (all applauding and cheering) Will all of our remaining guests please rise. Chaplain Carter will now offer our benediction.
Let us pray. Eternal Father, strong to save, we ask for your blessings and your hand to continue to wrap around these chiefs. Cover them and keep them, lead, guide, and direct them no matter where they should go. Give them the strength, give them the temerity, give them the fortitude to stand tall in the state of adversity, to speak with a sense of confidence, to speak with a sense of pride, to be a voice for the voiceless, and to continue to challenge others to do their best every day. Father, the 17 of these chiefs bring with them more than 200 years of service, and in those 200 years they’ve been tested and they’ve been tried, and when someone says, “Ask the chief” they know that they’re getting someone who is giving their best. Wrap your arms around them, love them and keep them. Remind them everywhere in every place that they go to earn this. These things we pray in your name, amen.
[Audience] Amen. (band playing quietly)
Thank you, Chaplain Carter. Ladies and gentlemen, we ask that you please remain standing in place for the playing of our United States Navy Service Song, and the departure of our fiscal year ’20 Pentagon-area chief petty officers. Fiscal year ’20 Pentagon chiefs, left or right face. (band playing “Anchors Aweigh”) Forward march. (audience cheering and applauding)