NAVOCEANO Sailor Advances to Chief Petty Officer

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. (NNS) -- A Sailor assigned to the Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) advanced to the rank of chief petty officer Sept. 16, in a ceremony at the John C. Stennis Space Center in southern Mississippi.

Chief Information Systems Technician Brook Bell put on anchors following completion of the 2012 CPO induction season designed to develop, train, guide and test selectees as they take on the responsibilities of becoming a chief petty officer. Bell was named NAVOCEANO's 2010 Shore Sailor of the Year and directly contributed to the command's 2010 Retention Excellence Award.

NAVOCEANO Commanding Officer Capt. Paul Oosterling commented, "Chief Bell sets a stellar example for other junior Sailors as they aspire to achieve the rank of CPO. This latest achievement is a testament to her character, resilience and superb leadership ability."

"The Navy handpicks selectees through a very stringent process, and the chief petty officers ensure those selected are trained and inducted into the CPO mess to function as successful leaders," said Chief Aerographer's Mate Renee Bienemy.

A native of Anderson, S.C., Bell joined the Navy nearly 14 years ago. Previous duty stations include Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station Diego Garcia; Commander, 2nd Fleet Staff, Norfolk, Va.; Navy Information Operations Command, Augusta, Ga.; and USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), Jacksonville, Fla.

"This is such an honor, and I am very proud to have achieved this rank with the support of my command and fellow Sailors," Bell said. "I look forward to leading, mentoring and offering daily guidance to our junior Sailors. I would like to thank my chiefs for believing in me and helping to make me a well-rounded Sailor."

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