Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), Chief Petty Officers Mess celebrated 124 years of CPO pride at a birthday luncheon and cake cutting ceremony held at Shenanigans All Hands Club on March 31.

Although there are only seven CPO's at PMRF, their combined years of Navy service, leadership skills, professionalism, expertise and pride totals 134 years.

Chief Hospital Corpsman Jessica Ramos shared her thoughts on what it means to her to be a Navy chief.

"Personally, it means having an impact on my Sailors, and what my Sailors do because of the leadership of the chief. Their success and failures, trials and tribulations are a direct reflection of us. It's all about the success of my Sailors," said Ramos.

"I believe that ever since I was coming up in the ranks, the Navy chief was someone who inspired, someone who carried a lot of respect, a subject matter expert in their job. You would look to them for guidance, mentorship. The role of the Chief was to lead from the front, to lead by example," said Chief Boatswain's Mate Said Esparza.

Esparza went on to share some advice for those setting their sights on the rank of Chief Petty Officer. "Stay motivated, professional and come in with a positive and hardworking attitude. Eventually someone will see you, take you in, and help you out. There are always people there who are trying to help you, trying to mentor you, trying to guide you to success."

Chief Machinist's Mate Desmond Latham added, "Stay humble. Once you get there, stay focused and always take care of your Sailors first. Sailors and family are always first. If you take care of your Sailors and you take care of your family, you'll eventually get to the role of chief. You won't make it to chief by yourself; those are the people that will help you get there."

During his remarks, PMRF Commanding Officer, Captain Vincent Johnson congratulated the chiefs on their special day. "With a good chief's mess anything is possible, but with a bad one, definitely nothing is possible. Chiefs turn commander's intent into action. Happy birthday and congratulations."

The luncheon ended with a traditional cake cutting ceremony where the youngest and oldest chief petty officers in attendance did the honors of cutting the ceremonial cake.

Hau`oli la hanau (Happy Birthday) Chiefs!

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For more information on PMRF, visit us at https://www.facebook.com/PacificMissileRangeFacility/ or on the web at https://cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrh/installations/pacific_missile_range_facility_barking_sands.html