Ten Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) were advanced to the rank of senior chief petty officer during a pinning ceremony aboard USS Wisconsin (BB 64), June 5.

Among the newly appointed senior chiefs was Senior Chief Legalman Myron Chism. This cycle, only three chiefs of 63 eligible were promoted in the legal community.

"People get promoted for taking caring of their Sailors, and that's what this is for me," Chism said. "I took care of my Sailors and this is my investment coming back to me. It's always a humbling experience, knowing that you made a difference."

Pride within the chief's mess is renowned Navy-wide, and Lincoln's newest senior chiefs were joined by their peers in a chant of "Navy Chief, Navy Pride," during the ceremony.

Lincoln's Command Master Chief Lee Salas was happy to see the hard work from his mess come to fruition.

"Today just shows that when you work hard, you get promoted," Salas said. "People need to understand that the senior chief rank is filled with our technical experts. They're great leaders. Making senior chief is recognition of their ability to not only take care of junior Sailors, but their fellow chiefs as well."

As is tradition, each senior chief selectee was pinned by members of their families. They were then capped with their new khaki combination covers by their mentors, marking the next milestone in their careers.

Chism passed on some wisdom to those who will be next in line.

"Keep doing what you're doing," Chism said. "You have to continue to do the best at everything you do. Our chiefs are where they are for a reason, and if you continue to do what you are doing, taking care of your Sailors, your time will come."

Lincoln is currently undergoing a refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries in Newport News.

Lincoln is the fifth ship of the Nimitz-class to undergo an RCOH, a major life-cycle milestone. Once RCOH is complete, Lincoln will be one of the most modern and technologically advanced Nimitz-class aircraft carriers in the fleet and will continue to be a vital part of the nation's defense.

For more news from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), visit www.navy.mil/.