Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3 celebrated the promotion of four, new Chief Petty Officers (CPO) Sept. 16, at Camp Shields, Okinawa, Japan.

NMCB 3's newest chiefs were joined by ten other newly promoted chiefs from Commander, Fleet Activities Okinawa, Patrol Squadron 47, Commander, Fleet Air Forward GSE Detachment, Navy Munitions Command EAD, and Naval Facilities Engineering Command.

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

"The feeling is surreal and amazing," said Chief Utilitiesman Darwin Jay Naigan. "My responsibilities as a new chief is to mentor, train, and lead Sailors to be successful in their career and in life."

Chief's responsibilities are to be both technical experts and naval leaders.

"We are expected to have the all the answers," said Chief Yeoman Tyron Fedderman, one of the newly pined chiefs. "As a chief your influence is far reaching, every decision you make affects all the people around you."

Ready to continue the CPO legacy, these new chiefs hope to pass on Navy leadership, heritage and tradition to their junior Sailors.

"It's all about the Sailors, it's our turn to give back to our Sailors," said Chief Builder David Combs.

NMCB 3 is homeported in Port Hueneme, California, and is currently deployed to Okinawa, Japan. Its mission is to support Navy and joint forces throughout the U.S. Pacific Command with construction projects and humanitarian missions in more than 13 different geographical locations.

For more news from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3, visit www.navy.mil/.