Five Sailors from Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) Keesler were pinned as Navy chief petty officers (CPO) in a ceremony Sept. 14.

Before the pinning, the 1st classes faced mental and physical challenges during CPO Initiation, a six-week training period focusing on the leadership skills and resources needed to be successful chiefs in the fleet.

“Although these Sailors are being pinned today, this is only the first step,” said Senior Chief Aerographer’s Mate Ryan Done. "They'll need to earn their anchors every single day, leading and supporting their Sailors and the chain of command.  The past six weeks was only a brief introduction into what it really means to be a chief petty officer. The process is designed to open their eyes to what it means to be a CPO, the levels of humility, accountability, and expertise it takes to really be ‘the chief’."

Newly-pinned Chief Electronics Technician Bryant Allenbaugh said the process of becoming a chief has given him the tools he will need to exceed expectations.

"There's so much you can get out of this process," said Allenbaugh. “For me, it was relying on the mess, knowing what my weaknesses are, and not being afraid to go to the mess for help. The strength of the Chiefs Mess is limitless, so if one person doesn't have the answer, all you have to do is reach out."

Along with Allenbaugh, Chief Electronics Technician Dennis Toups and Chief Aviation Electronics Technicians Devon Butikofer, David Hughes, and Adrian Pineiro were pinned and received new combination covers, officially taking on the responsibilities of being a chief.

“To me, there are two things that really symbolize the Navy chief petty officer - that combo cover and the anchors you’ll wear every day,” said the guest speaker, Chief Warrant Officer Charles Hamilton, who was pinned a chief in 2006. “Each of those things tells all of us something very important…you get it. I am so very honored to be here with you, your family and your friends as you receive your anchors today.”

CNATTU Keesler trains service members in the electronic calibration of afloat and aviation equipment, meteorological and oceanographic observing and forecasting, and the maintenance and repair of meteorological equipment.

CNATTU Keesler is a training unit of the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training located at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. CNATT develops, delivers, and supports aviation technical training at 27 sites located throughout the continental United States and Japan.

CNATT is a technical training agent for the Naval Aviation Enterprise, an organization designed to advance and sustain naval aviation warfighting capabilities at an affordable cost, and is the largest training center under Naval Education and Training Command.

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