In a ceremony steeped with tradition dating back to the birth of the chief petty officer, 28 USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Sailors received their chief anchors and combination covers Sept. 16 at Bayview Commonwealth Center on Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton, Va.

As the guest speaker, Lincoln Commanding Officer Capt. Ron Ravelo impressed upon the recipients the importance of their new leadership roles and the impact they will have on the careers of their Sailors.

"By the time one has become a chief, he or she has learned to avoid attributing unpleasant orders or duties to higher authority, but rather gives orders as being their own," Ravelo said. "The type of leadership the chief exercises will be reflected in the conduct of his Sailors."

The rank of chief petty officer was created 122 years ago on April 1, 1893. Chiefs represent the backbone of the Navy. Earning their anchors is a goal many Sailors have on their mind from the time they first come into the Navy.

"It's a great feeling. It's a career-long goal of mine since I joined the Navy, and it's finally getting to that point; it's a great feeling," said newly frocked Chief Logistics Specialist Mark Pollard.

Achieving this career milestone takes years of dedication and commitment. As chiefs often say the rank is "earned not given."

"What it took to get there was an everyday routine of exceptional performance and commitment to their Sailors, their chain of command and the Navy," said Master Chief Logistics Specialist James Contreras. "The impact happens with the family sees them wearing the khaki uniform for the first time."

Following Ravelo's remarks, family members were escorted on stage while the new chiefs waited to have their gold anchors pinned on their collar and to be presented their new covers by their sponsors.

Lincoln is currently undergoing Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries in Newport News, Va.

Lincoln is the fifth Nimitz-class ship to undergo RCOH, a major life-cycle milestone. Once RCOH is complete, Lincoln will be one of the most modern and technologically advanced Nimitz-class aircraft carriers in the fleet, and will continue to be a vital part of the nation's defense.


For more news from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), visit www.navy.mil/.