One by one, 29 Sailors stepped forward, received their combination cover and pins with the iconic golden anchors signifying their transition to the Navy chief petty officer ranks during a pinning ceremony at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story (JEBLC-FS), Sept. 16.

The iconic combination cover and golden anchors signify an induction to a community steeped in tradition. Guest speaker Rear Adm. Brian Brakke, commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command/NECC Pacific discussed the fountain of wisdom chiefs offer the Navy and praised the mess for maintaining naval traditions for the past 123 years.

"Chiefs are the fountain of wisdom and the [Chiefs Mess] provides an endless pool of information," said Brakke, who called the rank of chief as the most respected rank in our Navy. "Today, when you don your anchors your entire life will change."

As fellow Sailors, friends, and family members witnessed the event, faces of participants reflected emotions that ranged from proud and somber to ecstatic grins as they witnessed and celebrated this milestone event.

Capt. Daniel Senesky, commander, JEBLC-FS spoke at the pinning ceremony and highlighted the significance of the ceremony.

"We are here today to bear witness to the most significant transition of their naval careers," said Senesky. "Six weeks ago, these Sailors were deemed ready by the U.S. Navy; today, these 29 Sailors are proven ready to accept this leadership challenge."

Senesky praised family members for witnessing the rite of passage each chief passed through to receive both their anchors and combination cover.

"Family members and friends attending today's ceremony make it so special," said Senesky.

JEBLC-FS Command Master Chief Brian Schlicht also thanked the families for their support, but recognized the countless hours spent developing the new crop of chief petty officers.

"Thanks to the countless master chiefs, senior chiefs, and chiefs who came together to make this year's chief petty officers," said Schlicht.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Navy Expeditionary Combat Command , visit http://www.navy.mil/.