A Sailor assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86) earned the title of "chief" and was pinned during a ceremony on the ship's forecastle, Sept. 16.

Shoup's newest chief petty officer is Chief Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Mechanical) Marshall Baggett, from Cheyenne, Wyoming.

The ceremony was the culmination of a six-week training period known as Chief Petty Officer (CPO) 365 Phase II, which began when the CPO advancement results were officially released. Prospective CPOs are mentored for a period of approximately 10 months during Phase I and only chief selectees progress to Phase II. During Phase II, senior enlisted leaders introduced Baggett to myriad challenges designed to strengthen his leadership skills and to provide a better understanding of what it means to be a U.S. Navy chief. Phase II also included training on the history and traditions of the Chiefs Mess, physical challenges, mentorship, and many additional responsibilities.

During the ceremony the commanding officer, Cmdr. Ted Wiederholt, from Remsen, Iowa, said Shoup's newest chief should be proud of the family he has joined and outlined the new responsibility that comes with pinning on gold fouled anchors.

"I can tell you, chief, that your journey has just begun," said Wiederholt. "I can tell you that your easiest day was yesterday and that your best and hardest days are ahead of you. I can tell you that with the title of chief comes huge responsibilities; huge responsibilities to the Sailors you lead, huge responsibilities to the division officers you mentor and huge responsibilities to your new Mess and your command. I can tell you that when you wear those khakis Sailors will look at you with awe, respect and look to you for wisdom. Lastly I can tell you that you are now a part of a brotherhood that I respect, that our Navy relies on, and that our Navy's future depends on!"

Senior Chief Gas Turbine Systems Technician Michael Hill, from Cleveland, Ohio, mentored Baggett and compared Baggett's experience during the season to a quote by Gen. Douglas McArthur.

"'A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others,'" said Hill, quoting McArthur. "'He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent.'

"GSMC had to learn a lot the last year during Phase I but it was Phase II that put him to the test," said Hill. "He did stand alone and that is rare for a chief select. All decisions good or bad were his own and he had to stick with them. Also listening to all the needs of his fellow chiefs and prioritizing them was not an easy task. It was the integrity of his intent to want to be a chief that got him through the final test and welcomed into the Mess."

The newly pinned chief said words could not express how touched he was by the experience, which he will cherish it for a life time.

"I have been in the Navy 12 years and admired the rank of chief petty officer and looked at becoming one someday as being the greatest achievement or success I could hope for," said Baggett. "I am so thankful to have the support of my Shipmates and family at home while on deployment and upon my return. Without their support and guidance I could not be where I am today and am grateful."

Shoup is deployed in the 5th fleet area of operations conducting maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners, preserving freedom of navigation and maintaining the free flow of commerce.

For more information about Shoup, visit http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ddg86/Pages/default.aspx


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