Twenty-one Sailors from aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) were pinned as Navy chief petty officers in a ceremony Sept. 16.

Before their pinning, the chief selectees faced mental and physical challenges in a six-week training period known as CPO 365 Phase II. The training honed their leadership skills, introduced the selectees to what it means to be a Navy chief, and gave them the resources they need to be successful.

During the ceremony, retired Master Chief Petty Officer Ralph Rao, a former command master chief, said there are high expectations for chiefs immediately after they are pinned.

"You were selected to chief petty officer by the greatest Navy in the world because they believe you add value, and that you're ready to contribute at the next level," said Rao. "As with any challenges facing chief petty officers, we just don't meet it; we exceed it. That's what chiefs do."

Newly-pinned Chief Petty Officer Colwyn Wiltshire, a hospital corpsman, said the process of becoming a chief has given him the tools he will need to exceed expectations.

"There's so much you can get out of this process; for me, it was relying on the mess, knowing what my weaknesses are, and not being afraid to go into the mess for help," said Wiltshire. "The Chiefs Mess is limitless, so if one person doesn't have the answer, all you have to do is reach out."

Each chief was pinned and received a new combination cover, officially taking on the responsibilities of being a chief. More responsibility still requires humility, though, said Senior Chief Petty Officer Venita Johnson.

"Know that you don't always have the right answers and be able to search for those answers. Don't be afraid to say 'I don't know'," said Johnson. "Stay humble. Look and reflect and be that chief that you always wanted, and take care of your Sailors."

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