Over 120 staff members at Surface Warfare Officer School Unit (SWOSU) Great lakes gathered together April 6 to commemorate the 125th birthday of the U.S. Navy chief petty officer (CPO) during a special recognition ceremony.

The ceremony featured speakers; a cake cutting by the oldest, Master Chief Machinist Mate Jose Lardizabala and youngest, Chief Machinist Mate Gregory Harris, SWOSU Great Lakes CPOs; and lunch.

"It's a day to celebrate our history and heritage as chiefs and share this legacy with our shipmates," said Master Chief Machinist Mate Michael Waranis, senior enlisted adviser at SWOSU Great Lakes. "Here at SWOSU Great Lakes we play a strong and proud role in leading and mentoring other Sailors and our students."

The multifaceted role of chief petty officers also extends to the preservation of naval traditions and core values. Chiefs utilize this knowledge of naval history as a tool to pass on the legacy of the Navy to the Sailors they lead.

"CPOs are the experts in their rates making it our responsibility to be held as an example for others to follow," Waranis said. "We are charged with ensuring success in everyday tasks and creating an environment that will foster success moving forward into the future of the Navy."

The rate of CPO was established April 1, 1893, and provided first-class petty officers the opportunity to further advance in their career. CPOs are responsible for the training discipline and recognition of Sailors under their guidance and serve as experts in their designated field.

"It's important that chiefs preserve their role moving forward," Lardizabal said. "Chiefs are the stewards of naval heritage and customs, and it's the chief's responsibility to impart this knowledge to the next generation of Sailors that will one day replace them as leaders in our Navy."

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For more news from Training Support Center, Great Lakes, visit www.navy.mil/.