Twenty Sailors were promoted to chief petty officer (CPO) during a frocking ceremony aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), Sept. 15.

At the ceremony, members of the Chiefs Mess pinned gold, fouled anchors, the insignia of CPOs, on the new chiefs' uniform collars and placed chief combination covers on their heads.

"[Being pinned] was a culmination of everything coming together," said Chief Information Systems Technician Tyreeh Bailey, from Colorado Springs, Colorado. "As an E-3, I didn't think this day would come, but, E-3 me would be proud that I've gotten to where I am and I can hold my head high and say I've accomplished this."

Master Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Tyrone Johnson spoke to the selectees about the responsibilities that come along with the new rank.

"The anchors on this ship weigh 60,000 pounds," said Johnson. "I assure you that there will be days in which the ones you are about to wear will feel like they weigh just as much. There is good news. You're not alone. Seniors and juniors will help you. Most importantly every chief on this planet, retired, or active will be there for you. Thank you for stepping up as our reliefs."

Upon hearing the chief advancement results in August, selectees began CPO 365 Phase II, a six-week training process, transitioning them into CPOs.

"The biggest part for me was the things we had to accomplish together as a team," said Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Eric Atkinson, from Pittsburgh. "There's no more individual involved. Sometimes, some of us tend to go off and do things on our own and think we can accomplish things, but really can't. You need the teamwork and brotherhood that we learned."

The names of the new chiefs are Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) Dennis Archer; Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Eric Atkinson; Chief Information Systems Technician Tyreeh Bailey; Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Gregory Barry; Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuel) Tyrone Binongcal; Chief Hospital Corpsman Bryan Clarke; Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Andrew Folsom; Chief Aviation Support Equipment Technician Mark Garin; Chief Fire Controlman Michael Kirby; Chief Aviation Structural Mechanic Jason Knopes; Chief Air Traffic Controller Joshua Koble; Chief Logistics Specialist Jian Lin; Chief Electrician's Mate Michele Mcpherson; Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) Harry Meyer III; Chief Machinist's Mate Max Reiter; Chief Machinist's Mate Alex Fenton, Chief Aviation Support Equipment Technician Joephaz Sanchez; Chief Machinist's Mate Davis Webb; Chief Mass Communication Specialist Matthew White; and Chief Damage Controlman Matthew Wierson.

John C. Stennis is underway conducting carrier qualifications and training for future operations after completing flight deck certification.

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