Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain and 15 tenant commands promoted 68 Sailors to the rank of chief petty officer during a pinning ceremony on September 13.

The ceremony included the chief selects singing ‘Anchors Aweigh,’ a reading of the Fouled Anchor and the Two-Bell ceremony.

The pinning ceremony was the final event of the chiefs’ induction. The ceremony concluded the six weeks of training that prepared the chief selectees for donning their anchors and assuming their new roles as chief petty officers.

Vice Adm. Scott Stearney, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet/Combined Maritime Forces, delivered a keynote speech at the ceremony.

“As a chief, you will face adversaries, you will encounter challenges and you will find obstacles in your way,” said Stearney, “but you have the DNA and legacy to carry on. You have earned this day, and you deserve the title of chief petty officer.”

Family members, friends and mentors were invited to the stage to help complete each new chief’s crisp, khaki uniform by pinning anchors on their collars and donning their covers. For the family members who were not able to attend the ceremony in Bahrain, there was a live stream of the event on the base’s Facebook page.

President Benjamin Harris issued an executive order 125 years ago creating the rank of chief petty officer. Today, chiefs are selected by a board of chiefs, senior chiefs and master chiefs after first class Sailors show leadership potential, impressive records and pass an advancement exam.

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