USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) pinned 26 new chief petty officers during a ceremony in the ship's hangar bay, Sept. 15.

Since April 1, 1893, chief petty officers have been a vital asset to the United States Navy, essentially bridging the gap between commissioned and enlisted Sailors that make up what is now the most powerful fleet the world has ever seen.

"I want the new chiefs to trust in the bigger plan," said Truman's Command Master Chief Antonio Perryman. "I expect these chiefs to find strength through adversity, to practice gratitude, be humble and give thanks to all. They must never forget where they came from and always remember the hard work their Sailors do for them every day."

"Chief petty officers are expected to be in-rate subject matter experts, as well as administratively sound in all things Navy," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Michael Urban. "Junior enlisted Sailors know that the 'khakis' in their department and throughout their command are people whom they can seek for guidance."

Passing knowledge gained from a career that led to the sought-out gold fouled anchors is a tradition that goes back generations, a sentiment shared by one of Truman's newly pinned chief petty officers.

"It's all about training your relief," said Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Zachary Nance. "It's important to me that I pass down all the knowledge I have; from my leading petty officers down to my lowest enlisted Sailor. There's so much that I want to pass down to my Sailors. I haven't always been the type of Sailor I am today. I strayed off the path, but I was fortunate enough to have the mentors and leaders who were willing to go above and beyond to give me the tools I needed to succeed. That is what I want do for my Sailors."

It's not just knowledge chiefs seek to pass to others. They also look to set the example both personally and professionally.

"The most impactful chiefs in my life have done many things," said Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Ronell Day. "My father, a retired master chief, taught me to always put others first. I've had chiefs give me chances when I didn't necessarily deserve them, and I've even had chiefs give me aspirations to be a command master chief. I wouldn't be where I am now if it wasn't for all of them."

Before assuming the role of a chief, Sailors must pass a test and submit a package for review by a board. During the board their Official Military Personnel File, Performance Summary Record and any letters to the board are reviewed to determine who will be promoted to the rank of chief.

"It doesn't surprise me at all that these Sailors were chosen to become chiefs," said Urban. "Just seeing how Chief Nance is always helping people whenever they need it proves that the right people are being selected."

As the long journey to the fraternity of chiefs comes to an end, a new hatch opens.

"[Chiefs], always remember the phrase 'To whom much is given, much is required," said Perryman. "That phrase should be a constant reminder that [being a chief means taking on a whole new role as their family will]. Just as the sun rises and sets, each day will bring a new challenge and every new challenge is an opportunity to make a positive difference in a Sailor's life."

Truman is currently underway conducting carrier qualifications in preparation for future operations. For more information visit www.facebook.com/usstruman.

For more news from USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), visit www.navy.mil/.