NMCP Frocks Four New Senior Chiefs

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (NNS) -- Four Naval Medical Center Portsmouth staff members were frocked to senior chief petty officer June 26, amidst the admiration of their friends, family and co-workers.

Rear Adm. Elaine C. Wagner, NMCP commander, presented each of them with their frocking certificates after the new senior chiefs were pinned by their families and colleagues.

"Senior chief petty officers make up just 2.5 percent of the total enlisted force of the Navy," said Wagner during the frocking ceremony. "I think that speaks volumes to those who accomplish this milestone in their career. No one accomplishes anything significant in their career without the support and encouragement from loved ones and shipmates. Thank you to the family members, friends and leaders who have supported and encouraged these Sailors and allowed them to continue to serve this great nation."

Each newly frocked senior chief had their reason to be excited about the day.

"I didn't think this day would come," said Senior Chief Aviation Ordnanceman (AW/SW) Darron Finley, a counselor for Portsmouth's Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program. "I'm excited, I'm humbled, and I'm elated. It's just such a great feeling to be able to continue to grow in our great Navy. I'm blessed. It's about what you do where you go, not where you go, so just do what you have to do, stay on top of your game and full steam ahead."

"I'm extremely humbled, I never thought it would happen," said Senior Chief Interior Communications Electrician (SW) Donovan Marlin, leading chief petty officer for the Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program. "I see hard working people around me all the time and I got to the point in my career that I could say I was so thankful for other people to make it, and I think it was some of that humility that allowed me to get selected. Keep working, take care of each other and take care of yourselves, there's no limit to how far you can go."

Hard work and dedication to service was a recurring theme among the new senior chiefs.

"This is one of my proudest moments of my whole naval career," said Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman (EXW/SW/AW/FMF) Torrie Rogers, leading chief petty officer for Administration, Ancillary Services and Preventive Health Services at the Naval Air Station Oceana Branch Health Clinic. "I'm going to be making 18 years on the first of July, so it's a great accomplishment for me to make it before 18 years. I am committed to the Navy and setting a standard that I want all future Sailors to follow."

"Hard work, dedication and being in the right place at the right time has gotten me here today," said Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman (SW) Patrick Ehrhard, leading chief petty officer for Maternal Infant Child DepartmentEhrhard said. "The one thing I would tell junior Sailors is don't turn down the difficult jobs."

Master Chief Hospital Corpsman (FMF/SW) Donald True emceed the frocking ceremony and summed up what putting on the new rank means for them.

"Your strong sense of duty sets the course and speed for your subordinates, your peers and the junior officers you are charged to lead and mentor," True said. "I am confident that your career will be underscored - not by arrogance or ego - but an unconditional pride, self-improvement and accomplishment. Congratulations, shipmates: It is an honor and a pleasure to call you senior chief."

For more news from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, visit www.navy.mil/local/NMCP/.