As the ship's bell tolled and the boatswain's pipe sounded, five of the Navy's newest chief petty officers were welcomed into the ranks by their fellow chiefs during a pinning ceremony at Naval Support Activity Northwest Annex.

Family, friends, and fellow shipmates were present to congratulate and honor Chief Fire Controlman Nathan Cobler; Chief Master-at-Arms Peter Homan; Chief Sonar Technician (Surface) Andrew Mulch; Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Derrick Pollard; and Chief Aviation Ordnanceman David Swantek, as they advanced to the rank of chief petty officer.

Center for Security Forces Commanding Officer Capt. Raymond Benedict, who served as guest speaker, shared that he truly believes there is no other promotion more significant and game changing than the pinning of new chief petty officers.

"In the Navy, promotions are not a reward for having done great things. While it's true that your record and what you have done got you selected, a promotion is the Navy's way of saying we trust you to be in a position of increased leadership and responsibility," said Benedict.

In as much as the importance of looking ahead, Benedict also expressed to the new chiefs the importance of looking back and never forgetting from where it was they came.

"Take care of your Sailors- always! I would bet each of you could think back to your first or second tour when you were young, confused, maybe a bit overwhelmed, and a chief petty officer gave you guidance and mentoring on what you needed to do. You will now be that chief," said Benedict.

As each Sailor took center stage, family, friends and/or shipmates stepped forward to pin on the new chief's collar devices, which are the distinguishable fouled anchor. This was followed by a precision placement of the news chief's combination cap atop his head by a fellow chief petty officer. With sideboys posted, the ringing of one bell, and the ceremonial boatswain's mate sounding his pipe, the new chiefs were rendered formal honors and hailed as Navy chief petty officers.

In the true spirit of the chief petty officer, Pollard, a native of Sumter, S.C., offers the following advice to the young Sailors in the Fleet, "Keep faith, push on, always ask questions, and teamwork is the key."

"I am incredibly proud of him," said Homan's wife, Jennifer. "He has been dedicated for 18 years as of yesterday, and it's been a long ride together, and it's been great! We have enjoyed our Navy life and are really proud of what we do."

Pollard, Homan, and Mulch each serve as instructors at the Center for Security Forces Detachment Chesapeake. The detachment, one of five within the CENSECFOR domain, provides antiterrorism, security force and code of conduct training to Fleet Sailors year-round.

The Center for Security Forces provides specialized training to more than 28,000 students each year. It has 14 training locations across the United States and around the world where training breeds confidence.

For more information about the Center for Security Forces, visit us at http://www.navy.mil/local/csf.

For more news from the Center for Security Forces, visit us at www.navy.mil.

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