The Chiefs Mess aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike) welcomed 25 new members at an underway pinning ceremony, Sept. 16.

Ike's newest chiefs pinned on their anchors and donned their new combination covers during the ceremony, marking the end of a six-week training and transition season. The Chief selectees marched in, sang "Anchors Aweigh," and stood in front of the assembled crew to be pinned by their mentors and sponsors.

Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Charles Branch said the event was an important reminder that chief petty officers (CPOs) are a vital part of naval readiness.

"We are the backbone of the Navy," Branch said. "If you didn't have a backbone, you wouldn't be able to stand."

When the CPO selection list is released each August, Phase II of CPO 365 begins. Phase II is designed to give selectees the tools they need to be effective CPOs. They learn lessons from other chiefs, they study naval heritage, and they hone their leadership skills to integrate themselves into the chiefs mess.

"The change from first class petty officer to chief doesn't happen overnight," said Senior Chief Aviation Mechanic Jason Grisso. "The change happens over time. It may be a few months or years later that they finally see and fully understand what we teach them during this transition process."

Capt. Stephen Koehler, Ike's commanding officer (CO), said Navy chiefs are the true tip of the spear.

"Today is a big day," Koehler said. "I'm extremely jealous of the chiefs mess and what you stand for. There is no better place for a chief to get pinned than on the high seas."

Newly pinned Chief Electronics Technician Kelly Joliet, selected for chief in less than eight years of service, was more than a little surprised when she found out she had been selected on only her second try.

"My jaw dropped, and I froze. It was a truly shocking moment," she said. "Today is the greatest day of my life."

Chief Fire Controlman Elvi Cruz, who has been in the Navy for more than 14 years, also said he didn't expect to get selected this cycle.

"This was my fifth time up," Cruz said. "When the CO called my name over the 1MC, it was a complete shock. Everyone around me had to tell me that it was real."

Chief Logistics Specialist Harrison Withers, who pinned on his anchors last year, said making it through Phase II is a humbling experience for every new CPO.

"It's the absolute pinnacle of an enlisted Sailor's career," Withers said.

Ike is currently underway conducting carrier qualifications as part of the basic phase of the optimized fleet readiness plan (OFRP).

For more news from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), visit www.navy.mil/.