U.S. Naval War College (NWC) hosted a Chief Petty Officer (CPO) pinning ceremony in the college’s Spruance Auditorium for Newport-area chief petty officer selectees.

Rear Adm. Jeffrey Harley, NWC’s president, delivered remarks at the ceremony congratulating the new CPOs.

“Advancement into the Chief Petty Officer grades is the most significant promotion within the enlisted naval ranks,” said Harley. “This pinning ceremony represents the culmination of your hard work and dedication through years of service to this nation, and as a formal welcoming for you into the chief’s mess.”

The ceremony was the culmination of a six-week training period known as the Fiscal Year 19 Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Initiation, which began when the CPO advancement results were officially released. During the CPO initiation, senior enlisted leaders introduced the chief selectees to a myriad of challenges designed to strengthen their leadership skills and to provide a better understanding of what it means to be a U.S. Navy chief. The initiation also included training on the history and traditions of the Chiefs Mess, physical challenges, mentorship and many additional responsibilities.

The newly promoted CPOs included: Chief Operations Specialist Thomas Barrett, assigned to Naval Operational Support Command; Chief Yeoman Scott Brady, assigned to NWC; Chief Operations Specialist Ashley Coleman, assigned to NWC; Chief Yeoman Keith Foley, assigned to Naval Operational Support Center; Chief Hospital Corpsman James Limer, assigned to Naval Health Clinic New England; Chief Operations Specialist Daniel O’Connell, assigned to NWC; Chief Fire Controlman Frederick Reed II, assigned to NWC; Chief Hospital Corpsman James Robertson, assigned to Naval Health Clinic New England; Chief Religious Program Specialist Michael Robart, assigned to the Chapel of Hope at Naval Station Newport; Chief Hospital Corpsman Joseph Stanco, Jr., assigned to Naval Academy Preparatory School; and Chief Legalman Melissa Whitaker, assigned to Naval Justice School.

“Your past accomplishments got you to this point in your career,” continued Harley. “From this point on, however, it’s about what you will do, and how you will face the responsibilities and challenges waiting for you when today’s ceremony has reached a conclusion.”

The ceremony concluded with past and present Chief Petty Officers in attendance standing and singing Anchors Aweigh.

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