Chiefs, Ike crew, family and friends came together at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott Hotel to witness the pinning of USS Dwight D. Eisenhower’s (CVN 69) newest class of 26 chief petty officers, Sept. 20.

Reaching the rank of chief petty officer is a prestigious accomplishment that the Navy regards as one of its highest honors. Chiefs are considered experts in their field and are charged with completing any mission to which they are assigned while simultaneously serving as leaders to the Sailors placed in their care.

“It takes sacrifice,” said Chief Logistics Specialist Andrew Lipinski, on of the new chiefs onboard.” You've got to sacrifice a lot to get here. Your family has to sacrifice a lot to get here, so this ceremony means a lot to all of us here today.”

The ceremony is the climax of what is known as Chief Petty Officer Initiation. As soon as the results are released, selectees begin the initiation process. Initiation is a six-week journey that is designed to prepare them for the duties and responsibilities of a chief petty officer. While also teaching them what it truly means to be a part of the Mess.

“The camaraderie in the Mess is fantastic,” said Senior Chief Yeoman Jedidiah Yisrael. “It's always good to have people who you know have your back and are in your corner. The job is much easier when you have people to go to and ask for help.”

In addition to being there for each other, Navy chiefs are highly sought out for their advice by Sailors, from junior enlisted to officers. Addressing the new chiefs, Capt. Kyle P. Higgins, Ike's commanding officer, talked about just how important chiefs are to the Navy as a whole.

“We mention from time to time that chiefs are the backbone of the Navy,” said Higgins. “The backbone is the structure for our body. We can’t stand tall without our body. We can’t walk without our body. We can’t run without our body. The ship is our body, and we can’t run without the Chiefs Mess.”

Though some of the new chiefs will return to their departments, others will soon transfer. Nonetheless the pinning presented a chance for them to appreciate how far they have come together.

“I feel an unbelievable amount of happiness and joy, because it has been a long time coming,” said Lipinski. “I have waited 14 years to get to this moment. It’s a proud day.”

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