"This is the greatest day of my life," said newly-pinned Chief Intelligence Specialist Roosevelt Smith. "It's a dream that has turned into reality, something I've always wanted."
Among Smith, the new chiefs included Chief Navy Counselor Lea Ignacio, Chief Electronics Technician Jonathan Le and Chief Logistics Specialist Kyeth Tim.
The pinning ceremony began in 1893 when the chief pay grade was created. The ceremony signifies a new position of leadership and responsibility for the Navy.
"It is known around the world that when the chief is on the job, the job is going to get done and done right," said Capt. Darren Glaser, commanding officer of Somerset. "The tradition of being 'the chief' is now about to be placed firmly in your hands, and what that means will be decided by your deeds and actions."
During the ceremony, chief selectees were pinned with two gold fouled anchors and had combination covers placed on their heads by their sponsors.
"I know if your families were here right next to you, they would be beaming with pride," said Glaser. "This day is also special for them."
Somerset, part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, is conducting integrated training with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit off the coast of Southern California in preparation for its maiden deployment.
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For more news from USS Somerset (LPD 25), visit http://www.navy.mil/.
