Seven Sailors celebrated career milestones as they donned their khakis, pinned on their anchors, and joined the esteemed ranks of chief petty officers (CPO) at Misawa Air Base.

The process started one month prior when these seven first class petty officers were selected to undergo the chief training process called "CPO 365 Phase Two".

Phase Two is designed to instill advanced leadership and networking skills required to be a CPO.

The CPO Selectees are as follows:

Chief Aviation Machinist's Mate Faruq El from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Chief Aviation Ordnanceman John Hardy from Muskegon, Michigan
Chief Fire Controlman Michael Keller from San Diego
Chief Aerographer's Mate Antoine Lewis from Richmond, Virginia
Chief Aviation Electrician's Mate Brandon McKernan from Wilmington, North Carolina
Chief Logistics Specialist Stacey Myers from Columbus, Georgia
Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Michael Salinas from Rockport, Texas

"The Navy has not promoted you to the rank of chief petty officer because of what you have done," said Naval Air Facility Misawa's Command Master Chief Steven Snyder. "You have been promoted because of what we expect you to do."

Family members and friends pinned two gold anchors on each newly appointed chief's collar as their sponsors placed a combination cover on their head.

The CPO rank was established April 1, 1893. Chief petty officers are expected to act as both technical experts and naval leaders.

"Chief's accept a great responsibility, not only to lead enlisted, but young officers as well,' said Commanding Officer, Naval Air Facility Misawa, Capt. Keith Henry. "The chief petty officers are the core that ensures mission success and really enforces honor, courage and commitment."

For more information about the traditions and rank of the chief petty officer, visit www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq46-1.htm.

For more news from Naval Air Facility Misawa, Japan, visit www.navy.mil/.