Twenty-eight Sailors from across the Center for Information Warfare Training (CIWT) domain donned their chief petty officer (CPO) anchors during pinning ceremonies, Sept. 15.
The pinning ceremonies concluded CPO 365 Phase II training, which began when the CPO selectees were announced. Families, friends and shipmates joined the selectees as they officially put on the coveted gold fouled anchors of a chief petty officer.
"These past six weeks have given us the opportunity to directly shape the future of these new chief petty officers," said Command Senior Chief Thomas Alex, one of the leaders for the CPO 365 program at Naval Air Station Pensacola Corry Station. "The title of chief comes with great pride and great responsibility, and our team worked tirelessly to prepare our selectees for the challenges ahead."
CIWT Command Master Chief Michael Bates joined the Information Warfare Training Command (IWTC) Virginia Beach Chiefs Mess for the final night of their chief initiation and served as guest speaker for their ceremony.
"I am extremely proud of the hard work that the chiefs at IWTC Virginia Beach have put into their chief selects,” said Bates. “It was truly evident during their final acceptance that these chiefs are ready for the tough jobs that lie ahead of them. It was an honor to be a part of their final night and welcome our newest chief petty officers into the (Chiefs) Mess."
For Chief Cryptologic Technician (Collection) Terri Linder of IWTC San Diego, the ceremony served as an opportunity to celebrate what is considered to be one of the most significant milestones of a Sailor’s career.
"The opportunity that being a Navy chief brings to the table is an experience I have looked forward to since joining the Navy,” said Linder. “It is a blessing to share this with family, friends and my brothers and sisters in the Chiefs Mess."
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