JB MDL Sailors receive chief rank

Published Sept. 20, 2012
By Airman 1st Class Ryan Throneberry
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Six chief petty officer selectees assumed their title as chief Sept. 14 during the chief pinning ceremony at the Lakehurst Fitness and Sports Center here.

"This was one of the best days of my life," said Chief Petty Officer Patrick McKay, 87th Security Force Squadron Lakehurst detachment chief master at arms. "I have been in the Navy for 11 years now and I have finally earned the rank of chief. I couldn't be happier to put on the uniform."

The ceremony started when the chief selectees marched to the front of the stage, singing "Anchors Aweigh." The participants stopped in formation after reaching the front to await their anchors. The selectees were pinned with a gold fouled anchor by family members or friends and their chief combination cover was placed on their head by a fellow chief. The gold fouled anchor, an anchor wrapped in a chain, represents the struggles and tribulations a senior leader will face.

"I intend to bring a new-found sense of dedication to my job and my Sailors," said McKay. "As a chief, it is my duty to provide leadership to the enlisted force; a duty I am ready to fulfill."

The time-honored naval tradition of the chief's pinning dates back to 1893, when the chief petty officer pay grade was created. CPOs don the khaki uniforms of Navy leaders, only worn by officers and senior noncommissioned officers, acting as senior leadership to enlisted Sailors and also are subject-matter experts in their fields.

The newly-pinned Sailors were among thousands in the Navy who also joined what many consider to be one of the world's most exclusive communities.