Training Support Center San Diego, aboard Naval Base San Diego, celebrated 123 years of chief petty officer heritage April 1.

The celebration began with a reading of the message from Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Mike Stevens to all chief petty officers and a brief history lesson on the establishment of the chief petty officer rank.

"The 123 years of chief petty officer heritage in the Navy just shows how far the Navy has gone to become the powerful Navy it is today," said Chief Navy Counselor Nicole Litogot. "The bond we have and share as chief petty officers is unbreakable."

TSC San Diego Command Master Chief Daniel Marsch highlighted the importance of tradition and celebrating the Navy's history every year.

"The Navy has gone through many changes over the years, but the important traditions will never go away and we are the gate keepers of that," said Marsch. "It is important that both active and retired chiefs keep those traditions alive."

The celebration ended with a traditional cake cutting ceremony by the oldest and youngest chief petty officer at TSC San Diego.

"It was an honor to be a part of the cake cutting ceremony with my fellow brothers and sisters," said Tom Darnell, a retired master chief electronics technician. "It makes me proud knowing that the Navy is in good hands with the younger chiefs carrying the mantle of tradition."

"Deck plate leadership, whether at sea or ashore, plays an important role in the Navy and our chief petty officers provide it year after year," said Capt. John D. Wilshusen, TSC San Diego commanding officer. "I can't think of another organization in the world that has a group as central to their heritage or their future as our Chiefs Mess is to the United States Navy."

For information about TSC San Diego visit
http://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/tscsd/ or on facebook at
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For more news from Naval Education and Training Command, visit http://www.navy.mil/.