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Navy celebrates new chiefs

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  • By Petty Officer 2nd Class Jessica Vargas
  • Strategic Communications Wing ONE Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Twenty-one Sailors from the Take Charge and Move Out community had their gold anchors pinned on, signifying their advancement to the rank of chief petty officer, during a ceremony held at Rose State College Sept. 16.

The chief's pinning ceremony dates back to the introduction of the chief petty officer pay grade in 1893. Promotion to the rank of chief petty officer not only earns these Sailors the right to wear khaki uniforms and anchors on their collars, but tasks them with a new leadership role and the expectation of being a technical expert in their rating.

"Becoming a chief petty officer is one of the most prestigious events in a Sailor's career," said Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron FOUR Command Master Chief Cynthia Patterson.

The transition comes after six weeks of initiation called the induction season, which began shortly after the results were announced July 31. During induction season the new chiefs participated in difficult team building projects, physical training, community projects and learned CPO history and heritage.

"The goal is to provide selectees with the tools necessary for their success as chief petty officers," said VQ-3 Command Master Chief Jerry Helton. "We (Chiefs Mess) pushed the selectees past their comfort zone in order to show them that there are still reserves of potential within them."

Capt. Dwight Shepherd, Strategic Communications Wing ONE commander, served as the guest speaker for the ceremony and was proud to welcome the new chiefs into the TACAMO community.

"One of the greatest privileges I have as Commodore is being part of ceremonies like this and watching the Navy grow its future leaders," said Captain Shepherd. "I am proud to be here to share this day with you. The chief petty officer is the heart and soul of the United States Navy and as the chief you are expected to lead, influence, and change lives. I am confident that each of you is ready to meet the challenges. You are tasked to be the expert in your job field, execute our mission, take care of our junior Sailors and maintain the highest standards of conduct always."

Captain Shepherd also took the time to thank the families for being the driving force behind each of these Sailors.

"Your support and sacrifice is one of the reasons theses Sailors are being promoted today. Service to country has a cost that only a family can understand and appreciate and I thank you for enduring the separations, the moves and the stress."

The new chiefs had their gold anchors pinned on by close friends or family members and received their chief covers by sponsors.

"Being accepted in to the Chief's Mess and having the junior Sailors smile and congratulate me as I proudly walk throughout the hangar in my khakis is such an indescribable feeling," said newly pinned Chief Tommie Hanshew, from VQ-3.

The ceremony ended with the reading of the Chief's Creed followed by all of the new chiefs singing in unison "Anchor's Aweigh." The following personnel had their gold anchors pinned on. 

Chief Equipment Operator Jered Robbins, SCW-1
Chief Yeoman Fred Tillman, SCW-1
Chief Aviation Machinist's Mate Tommie Hanshew, VQ-3
Chief Aviation Structural Mechanic Joseph Tatum, VQ-3
Chief Aviation Administrationman Adrian Lampkins, VQ-3
Chief Yeoman Brian Latocha, VQ-4
Chief Aviation Machinist's Mate Robert Ambol, VQ-4
Chief Aviation Machinist's Mate Marcus Howat, VQ-4
Chief Hospital Corpsman Matthew Breske, VQ-4
Chief Naval Aircrewman(Mechanical) Chris Coats, VQ-4
Chief Naval Aircrewman(Mechanical) Jamie Kaminski, VQ-7
Chief Naval Aircrewman(Mechanical) Brian Berckmann, VQ-7
Chief Naval Aircrewman(Mechanical) Ryan Intchauspe, VQ-7
Chief Naval Aircrewman(Avionics) Derrick Anderson, VQ-7
Chief Yeoman Melvin Durnell, VQ-7
Chief Aviation Machinist's Mate Sheri Gentry, CNATT
Chief Electrician's Mate Ronald White, NCTSCU
Chief Cryptologic Technician Keith Mcdougal, NOSC
Chief Aviation Electrician's Mate Jill Stokes, NOSC
Chief Yeoman Dawn O'neil, NOSC (Currently Deployed)
Chief Information Systems Technician Jeffrey Bowman, NOSC (Currently Deployed)