Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert delivered remarks to family, friends and chief petty officers as 44 new chief petty officers were pinned at an official pinning ceremony held at the Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C., Sept. 16.

"Today you joined the Chiefs Mess," said Greenert. "It is the foundation of our warfighting and warfighting is first in our Navy, but remember, you are still the technical experts we depend on and look to for leadership."

This was the 122nd class of chief petty officers to join the Chiefs Mess, following a long legacy of senior enlisted leadership. More than 4,000 petty officers fleet wide were accepted into the Chief's Mess today.

"Today is the happiest day to put on the anchors and become a chief," said Chief Personnel Specialist Han Peng. "It's a big step and milestone for us. We are going to assume a lot of responsibility leading our junior Sailors and junior officers."

The pinning ceremony is a tradition unique to the Navy, which dates back to 1893 when the chief petty officer pay grade was created. The ceremony signifies a new position of leadership and responsibility.