The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) held a chief pinning, Sept. 13 in the Atlantic Ocean.

Five first class petty officers soon to be promoted marched onto the flight deck while singing Anchors Aweigh in their new khaki uniforms as the crew stood in support.

Before the pinning, Capt. Andrew Fitzpatrick, Vella Gulf’s commanding officer, gave remarks to the soon-to-be chiefs, emphasizing their responsibility to maintain the highest morals both for themselves and their subordinates.

“As the Navy standard-bearers and keepers of tradition, you must infuse the time-honored standards of professional excellence and adherence to the core values of honor, courage, and commitment in all of your Sailors,” said Fitzpatrick

Chief Culinary Specialist Wesley Lewis said though he knows being such a leader is a challenge, he was both relieved and thrilled to have finally reached this point in his career.

“I feel fortunate and blessed that I was selected and accepted,” said Lewis. “Being able to make a difference in the lives of my Sailors is something I appreciate and look forward to.”

Several of the new chiefs said becoming a chief petty officer ranks among the highlights of their professional careers so far. Lewis said the pinning gave him a chance to reflect on how far he had come during his time in the Navy, both personally and as a Sailor.

“The moment I was pinned, I felt a sense of accomplishment,” said Lewis. “Not just for myself, but for all the people that support me or look up to me. It felt like an accomplishment for them too. And that’s what being a chief can mean—to represent something bigger than myself.”

Chief Personnel Specialist Luncy Jeter said he felt a new sense of higher responsibility to his Sailors.

“We are carrying on a tradition and heritage of the Navy,” said Jeter. “It’s a tradition of running the deck plates and making sure that our Sailors are taken care of.”

After the pinning, Vella Gulf’s Command Master Chief Cedric Marks spoke to the new chiefs about the challenges they had faced during their training.

“You have been asked to humbly accept adversity and challenges,” said Marks. “Your faith in the fellowship of the chief petty officer was vital in overcoming these challenges. Our intent was to impress upon you that challenge is good, and a necessary reality.”

When the chiefs were able to salute the side boys and be piped aboard as chiefs for the first time, Marks was there to meet them at the other end, returning their salutes and congratulating each of them. Jeter said being a chief is also about this kind of camaraderie and knowing that you have support from the mess.

“It’s surreal to be a part of,” said Jeter. “To be able to put on the anchors and the khaki uniform is indescribable. It gives me chills just to think about it.”

Get more information about the Navy from US Navy facebook or twitter.

For more news from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), visit www.navy.mil/.