At a pinning ceremony hosted by the Center for Surface Combat Systems (CSCS) Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Center (FLEASWTRACEN), 28 new chief petty officers (CPOs) were pinned, Sept. 16.


The new chiefs come from multiple tenant commands onboard Naval Base Point Loma.

The commands include CSCS Mine Warfare Training Center (MWTC), Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC), Undersea Warfighting Development Center (UWDC), and Commanding Officer Mobile Mine Assembly Group (COMOMAG).

Rear Adm. James Kilby, SMWDC's Commander, was the guest of honor and addressed nearly 400 friends, family and shipmates.

"Congratulations for weathering the storm," Kilby said. "Thank you for having me here today and thank you to the shipmates and families for your mentorship and encouragement. There are three things I want you all to think about.

"First, you must be active leaders for your Sailors. They need and deserve your engaged leadership. Second, you must train your division officers. They will need your guidance, leadership and instruction as you will now be in a position to mold young ensigns. Third, you have a responsibility to the mess."

Officially welcoming them into the chief's mess, FLEASWTRACEN's Command Master Chief Beda Santiago led the newly pinned chiefs in reciting the CPO creed.

"I am very excited for them," Santiago said. "Today is a day these new chiefs will never forget. They put on the khaki uniform and combo cover, and are pinned as CPOs and have now earned the right to be called chiefs. They have not just been promoted one pay grade, but have now entered an exclusive fellowship of which much is expected and much more is demanded."

Chief Operations Specialist Aristeo Orodio learned a great deal during his training.

"Even if we had long working hours, each tasking or list of memorizations represented something," Orodio explained. "Humility, teamwork and communication were the most important lessons. To me, being a chief and having these qualities are and will always be the most important things to have."

Chief Sonar Technician Andrew Martzall shared the same sentiment.

"This was not an individual effort," Martzall said. "It involved everyone. Through cooperation and teamwork, we learned trust in one another. In that trust, there is strength. Today's ceremony is a chance for us to celebrate with the friends, family and Sailors who have helped us achieve our goal."

The chiefs now begin a journey where they strive to uphold the attitude and performance standards of the chiefs who have come before them.

"Congratulations to all new chief petty officers," Santiago said. "Your legacy begins today."

For information about Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Center, visit http://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/cscs/fasw/

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