The Navy Reserve welcomed nine new chief petty officers (CPO) to the Chiefs Mess during this year's CPO pinning ceremony at Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Atlanta, Sept. 26.

"It's a significant milestone in a Sailor's career when they get selected for chief," said Command Master Chief Eric E. Cousin, NOSC Atlanta's enlisted leader. "The best part is seeing the excitement on their faces. It is a big priority to be accepted into the Chiefs Mess."

NOSC Atlanta, the fifth largest NOSC in the country, consists of over 1,000 sailors and 32 reserve units.

"I encourage my chiefs to be subject matter experts, now they are at the execution part," said Capt. Chip DeWalt, commanding officer, NOSC Atlanta. "The Chiefs Mess unifies the entire command. I will always be an advocate of the Chiefs Mess."

The new chiefs recently completed intense personal instruction coupled with CPO 365 Phase 2 professional development training. CPO 365 included time-honored traditions such as the CPO charge books, meet-and-greets, and a capstone event focused on the critical relevance of teamwork and resilience.

"It's no longer about me; it's about my Sailors," said newly pinned Chief William Forbes. "I have a family of brothers and sisters to help me take care of the junior sailors. Together we can do everything the Navy wants us to do. I am here because of, not only my leaders, but the Sailors who have worked for me in the past."

Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Stoney Polite served as the chairman of the Greater Atlanta Chief Petty Officer Association this year. He has been with the new chiefs from the day they were selected. Polite, a Navy Reservist, is a Gwinnett County fireman in his civilian occupation.

He said he put everything aside to oversee CPO 365 phase two from beginning to end.

"The biggest transition is working together. As a group you are only as strong as your weakest link and we go through this together and form bonds that are life lasting," said Polite. "As the chairman it's almost as if you get to see your kids grow up and my biggest reward is seeing them up there."

The ceremony kicked off with the chief selects singing "Anchors Aweigh" as they entered the drill hall from both sides. Command Master Chief Chris Kotz, U.S. Marine Forces Reserve, New Orleans, La., served as the guest speaker.

"Sitting on the stage and getting to see the families faces, I know the audience doesn't get to see that, so being the guest speaker I get to see the pride in the families faces," said Kotz.

He concluded with a loud "Navy Chief" and the new chiefs yelling back "Navy Pride," which seemed to motivate the crowd in attendance to clap louder.

The ceremony included a presentation of the history of the Navy anchor and CPO cover.

Finally the time came for the selects to be called front and center to receive their anchors. Families, friends, mentors and loved ones that had travelled from all over the country to be a part of this event were invited to participate in the ceremony. The selects were called up one-by-one to have their anchors pinned on and have their cover placed on their head by their sponsor.

The rank of chief petty officer was established on April 1, 1893. At the end of the ceremony, the newly pinned chiefs were reminded of the legacy established then by the traditional reading of the CPO Creed.

For more news from Commander, Navy Reserve Force, visit www.navy.mil/.