Three Sailors from Center for Security Forces (CENSECFOR) Det. Chesapeake joined the ranks of the Chiefs Mess during a pinning ceremony held at the Naval Support Activity Northwest Annex chapel Sept. 16.

Chief Master-at-Arms Jamie L. Makowka, Chief Master-at-Arms Aaron J. Moore, and Chief Master-at-Arms Franklin S. Courtney were joined by family, friends, and shipmates as they advanced to the rank of chief petty officer.

Chief Gunner's Mate Will Quella detailed the meaning of the letters U-S-N affixed to the gold fouled anchor collar device worn by U.S. Navy chief petty officers. Quella serves as the senior enlisted leader at CENSECFOR Det. Chesapeake.

"Attached to the anchor is a length of chain and the letters U-S-N," said Quella. "To the novice the chain and letters identify a chief petty officer in the United States Navy, but to a chief, they have a much more noble and glorious meaning. The 'U' stands for unity, which reminds us of cooperation, maintaining harmony and continuity of purpose and action. The 'S' stands for service, which reminds us of service to our God, our fellow man, and our Navy. The 'N' stands for navigation, which reminds us to keep ourselves on a true course, so we may walk upright before God and with mankind and our fellow chiefs. The chain is symbolic of flexibility and reminds us of the chain of life we forge day-by-day, length-by-length and may it be forged with honor, courage, and commitment."

One-by-one, the new chiefs took center stage to have select family and friends pin their anchors on their collars and a fellow chief place combination covers on their heads. At the toll of the ship's bell and the sound of the boatswain's pipe, each new chief was rendered honors while passing through the ranks of side boys and returned their salute.

"From day one in basic training, I have wanted to be the chief," said Moore, when asked what it means to him on a personal level to be the chief. "Now that I have achieved this monumental milestone, I feel a sense of accomplishment and a new found pride in the Navy."

Hundreds of Sailors were selected to advance to the rank of chief petty officer in 2016, and yet, thousands were not. Settling in the role of being the chief quickly, Makowka offered her advice to those Sailors looking ahead to 2017.

"Keep being the amazing, hardworking stellar [petty officer first class] you are," offered Makowka. "Stay on track -- you already know what is expected [of you so] exceed those expectations. Nothing should ever discourage you from your goals, and keep impressing those around you and yourself."

"I know I would not have made it this far without the mentors who have led me and the Sailors whom I have led; however, I could not have been here without the love and support of my family," said Moore. "They have accepted every new challenge and assignment without question and they have stood by my side, [and to them] I say 'thank you' and 'I love you.'"

In 12 short months, the Navy will select the best of the best for 2017 and like those chief petty officers who came before them, they too will soon arrive at the day when they will be known as "the Chief."

The Center for Security Forces provides specialized training to more than 23,000 students each year. It has 14 training locations across the United States and around the world where training breeds confidence.

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For more news from Center for Security Forces, visit http://www.navy.mil/, http://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/csf, http://www.facebook.com/CENSECFORHQ or http://www.twitter.com/censecfor.