Chief petty officers (CPOs) in Hampton Roads celebrated their 124th birthday with acts of service, fun and games the week of March 27.

CPOs commenced the festivities, March 27, by conducting morning colors aboard Naval Station Norfolk, before transitioning to multiple volunteering and team-building activities in and around base.

One of the week's highlights was when the CPOs visited Salem High School's Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) cadets for their program's Pride and Professionalism Day.

"This is energizing," said Command Master Chief Justin Gray during the mentoring event, March 28.

CPOs counseled and advised cadets in future endeavors, sharing their experiences in the Navy.

"These cadets are our future," said Chief Religious Programs Specialist Carlos Vargas. "Hopefully, we were able to answer some of those questions if they are thinking about joining [the military]."

Both the CPOs and cadets were able to benefit from the experience.

"When I have to go home, there will be somebody to take my place," said Gray.

Achieving the rank of chief petty officer is held in high regard and is one of the Navy's longstanding traditions. The Navy created the rank of chief petty officer on April 1, 1893, and since then, chiefs have been charged with the responsibility of leading Sailors and training junior officers to be ready to carry out our Navy's mission when the nation calls.

During the week, CPOs also partook in a 5k run, played a golf tournament aboard Oceana Naval Air Station, visited Nauticus Museum and Battleship Wisconsin, and served Sailors and their families at the Naval Station Norfolk Galley and the Fisher House Foundation.

Fisher Houses, located near major military hospitals and Veterans Affairs medical centers, house families of veterans for free when they are waiting for loved ones to receive medical treatment. CPOs painted the houses and did yard work on the grounds.

"We're out here because it's the chiefs' birthday," said Chief Hospital Corpsman Dana Mitchell. "Part of what being a chief means is to give back and be servant leaders. That's why we choose to help the community."

The celebration concluded with a birthday luncheon at The Founders Inn and Spa, showing a slideshow of all the events the CPOs participated in during the week.

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