Today chief petty officers throughout the fleet celebrate the 124th anniversary of the establishment of their paygrade and the legacy that shaped their values in leadership.

Formed on April 1, 1893, the Navy initially offered the new grade to nine ratings: master-at-arms, boatswain's mate, quartermaster, gunner's mate, machinist, carpenter's mate, yeoman, apothecary and band masters. Now, the rank of chief can be obtained by any first class petty officer who has gained sufficient experience and shown the quality of character and skill required to be considered a specialist and leader in their rating and the Navy.

"When a first class becomes a chief it's an important transition point," USS Dwight D. Eisenhower's (CVN 69) (Ike) Command Master Chief Tyrone Blockton said. "There is an inherent expectation for you to behave, act and lead by a certain example. The chief petty officer symbol carries with it knowledge, experience and an advancement of good will."

Navy chiefs serve as the right hand of their senior officer counterparts and act as advisor and director to their junior Sailors and officers, all while ensuring their divisions uphold the highest standards of military bearing and tradition.

"Chiefs are out there training, helping their Sailors both personally and professionally and guiding junior officers," Blockton said. "The care and effort they put forth is admirable, and I consider myself blessed to be part of such a group."

Since the formation of the chief petty officer, even greater leadership opportunities have become available to enlisted personnel. The pay grades of E-8 (senior chief) and E-9 (master chief) became effective June 1, 1958, under a 1958 Amendment to the Career Compensation Act of 1949.

"I'm honored and proud to be a chief petty officer," Blockton said. "When asked my title, I start with and value most the title of chief petty officer because of what it represents."

Ike and its carrier strike group are underway conducting a sustainment exercise during the sustainment phase of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan (OFRP).


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