The scene marked the beginning of the 16th annual Chief Petty Officer Heritage Days at the Hampton Roads Naval Museum, a three-day event intended to foster a sense of pride and naval heritage in the hearts of chief petty officer selectees. "We are building tomorrow's leaders," said Senior Chief Sonar Technician D.J. Moore. "A lot of the knowledge passed on to us isn't always written in a black and white form. Sometimes it's about experiences and what you go through, and that's what we're passing on." The selectees participated in a tour aboard the retired battleship USS Wisconsin (BB 64), a Navy vessel in service from 1943 to 1991. Selectees learned a range of topics from older uniform styles to historic naval engagements while keeping with this year's theme to trust in your fellow chiefs and take care of your junior Sailors. "Today has taught me a lot," said Chief Select Moises Paze, assigned to the Navy Recruiting District in Richmond, Virginia. "Today has taught me that I can count on my brothers and sisters in the mess, and that I can count on my senior leadership for guidance." Heritage Days allowed chiefs and chief selectees from a range of regionally-based commands to share their experiences and strengthen the kinship of the chief's mess. "It gets them exposed to heritage they might not normally be exposed to," said Command Master Chief Jerry Hagdorn, command master chief of USS Mitscher (DDG 57). Several retired master chiefs also attended the event to share their experience and wisdom. Although no longer in active service, their contributions help ensure the continued strength and pride of the chief petty officer rate. "The main goal is to continue the heritage and the legacy of the Navy chief," said Moore. "We want to build that next generation so that they can pass it on."

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