Naval Support Activity Souda Bay welcomed four new chief petty officers into the Chiefs Mess on Sept. 29, 2023. The four Sailors to reach this career milestone were Chief Master-at-Arms Amira Gamble, Chief Electronics Technician William Massie, Chief Master-at-Arms Kevin Merritt and Chief Boatswain’s Mate Michael Webb .
The newly-promoted chiefs were notified of their selection to chief petty officer on Aug. 22, 2023. Following this announcement, the Sailors took part in a six-week indoctrination program, during which the four Sailors worked alongside the Chiefs Mess and Command Leadership to complete specialized training and tasking.
Watch the videos below of NSA Souda Bay’s newest chiefs reflecting on their journeys to chief petty officer:
The Master of Ceremonies for the Chief Petty Officer Pinning Ceremony was Chief Master-at-Arms Matthew Hall, NSA Souda Bay.
“This ceremony marks the end of six weeks of specialized training and tasking in which the Chiefs Mess has joined together to mentor and motivate our chief selects as they prepared to don their new khaki uniforms,” said Hall. “The goal and intent of chief petty officer initiation includes reiterating fundamentals in line with our Navy core values and Navy ethos.”
The U.S. Navy has had chief petty officers since April 1, 1893, and entering the Chiefs Mess is considered a major career milestone. Chiefs are expected to be experts in their career field and display strong leadership ability. Chiefs bridge the gap between officers and enlisted personnel, acting as supervisors as well as advocates for their Sailors.
The guest speaker for the event was Capt. Odin J. Klug, commanding officer, NSA Souda Bay.
“By becoming a Chief on this day, each of you is doing far more than simply pinning on anchors, changing your uniform, and donning a new cover,” said Klug. “Beyond these outward signs of transformation, you are internally transforming as well. As your creed states, your entire way of life is about to change. More will be expected of you. More will be demanded of you. You will now become our Navy’s newest standard bearers and standard enforcers.”
“Congratulations and thank you for your service and sacrifice,” said Hall. “We wish all of you the very best in your endeavors, careers and on your next assignments. Stay engaged, stay focused and stay proud!”
For photos of the Chief Petty Officer Pinning Ceremony, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NSASoudaBay