Naval Air Station and Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi commemorated the 125th birthday of the chief petty officer during an observance at the clinic March 30.

Chiefs formed a special company and raised the flag during a morning colors, highlighting this year's Birthday theme, Leading with Purpose and Embracing Change for 125 Years!

Before the traditional cake-cutting, base and clinic CPO leadership addressed staff on the quarterdeck.

"The CPO Creed gives us our initial charge as chief petty officers and serves as a source document from which all other directives and guiding principles are derived that govern what is expected and required of a CPO," said Master Chief Hospital Corpsman (SW/FMF) Andy B. Burnett, NHCCC command senior enlisted leader. "It is that document that we use to take a fix on how we are performing as CPOs each year. To be the chief, you must consistently evaluate your performance as a deck plate leader to see if you are, in fact, still on course with your charge as a chief."

Chiefs are expected to provide solutions and inspire development when nobody else can. The Navy asks more from Sailors than just to be seaworthy and skilled in their jobs. Sailors are expected to hold each other up as a community, challenge personal standards and build a network for professional influence. Chiefs help them reach their goals, allowing them to realize their own potential.

NASCC Command Master Chief Greg Williams underscored the significance of a chief's anchors.

"Take this time to reflect on your CPO Creed for earning those anchors every day because we don't earn them only once, and then have them so that we can wake up every day and put them on. We have to earn them again," said Williams. "We are not just chiefs when we have this uniform on, we're chiefs 24/7."

Williams, from Detroit, Michigan, and Burnett, from Carrollton, Georgia, enlisted in June 1989 and January 1991 respectively, and were both advanced to CPO in 2003.

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

"I'd like to thank retired Senior Chief Andy Martin, wherever he is, because he's the chief that inspired HM3 Burnett to want to become a chief," said Burnett. "He was a chief when I worked for him and he was the guy that I was always referring to when I would say, 'you won't believe what chief said,' or 'you won't believe what chief did.'"

Achieving the rank of CPO is held in high regard and is one of the Navy's longstanding traditions. It is one of the most memorable achievements in a Sailor's career in part because chiefs are empowered with broad responsibilities, drawing upon their years of experience to provide training and mentorship to junior Sailors and officers alike.

"The tie that binds me to our CPO heritage is what gives me my understanding of what my charge is as the chief," said Burnett.

Chiefs are required to set the standard that Sailors are held to.

"I've spent 15 years in the mess," said Williams. "Over half of my career has been devoted to the Sailors, the command and the mission. And I would not have it any other way. It's been the most rewarding part of my career."

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