YOKOSUKA, Japan -- Chief petty officers from U.S. 7th Fleet celebrated 125 years of the chief petty officer at Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka March 29.
The rank of chief petty officer was born on April 1, 1893, as the highest attainable rate an enlisted sailor could earn, beginning a legacy of heritage in the U.S. Navy.
The birthday of the chief petty officer has been celebrated annually to honor the service of chief petty officers and their commitment to mentoring junior sailors and officers while living the Navy’s core values.
U.S. 7th Fleet Command Master Chief Tobi Howat, spoke on the roles of the CPO, “The vital role of the CPO Mess in deckplate leadership has never wavered and is as critical as it has ever been to the success of our Sailors, our mission and the Navy.”
“The Navy has continued to evolve and adapt to a challenging fiscal environment, changes in leadership, and a rise in near peer adversaries, the vital role of the CPO Mess in deckplate leadership has never wavered and is as critical as it has ever been to the success of our Sailors, our mission and the Navy,” said Howat
Part of the Chief Petty Officer Birthday tradition is cutting a cake with the oldest and youngest chief petty officer.
Chief Petty Officer Mark Wortman, who was honored with being part of the cake cutting, said that to him being a navy chief means he has the power to make a difference in people lives.
“I take no greater satisfaction than knowing I did something to help a Sailor, Sailors, or anyone else I come across,” said Wortman.
“Congratulating the Chiefs’ Mess on another successful year leading the U.S. Navy and our Sailors across the 7th Fleet in the many successes we have enjoyed, but also challenge each of us to be better than we were the day before. Not only to hold our Sailors to the standards, but to hold each other to those same standards and continue to lead from the front,” said Howat
Chiefs continue to serve as trusted leaders, technical experts, advisors, and mentors to all Sailors.