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NAF Atsugi Pins 48 New Chief Petty Officers

13 September 2013

From Mass Communication Specialist First Class Barry A. Riley

Commands at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, welcomed 48 new chief petty officers during a pinning ceremony attended by visiting Pacific Fleet Master Chief Marco Ramirez, Sept. 13.

ATSUGI, Japan - Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi, Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD) Atsugi and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) Five welcomed 48 new chief petty officers during a pinning ceremony attended by visiting Pacific Fleet Master Chief Marco Ramirez, Sept. 13.

The annual event kicked off with NAF Atsugi Command Master Chief Carl Duncan, master of ceremonies, delivering opening remarks, and introducing the group of selectees to be pinned.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it is now time for the much anticipated pinning ceremony," Duncan exclaimed.

All at once, the group of 48 chief selectees stood up simultaneously in a sharp military fashion, and began shouting a Navy cadence while marching toward the stage.

Fleet Ramirez, who attended the ceremony in the midst of a visit to the 7th Fleet area of operations, said he was honored to see the traditions of the chiefs mess carried on throughout the years, and was glad to welcome his new brothers and sisters.

"I've been a part of the chief's mess since 1996, so for me this was a little bit more than just a pinning," he said. "This is about honor and tradition. It truly makes me proud to see the selectees come through their transition and build trust and bonds between each other."

After each of the new chiefs received their anchors, all past and present chiefs throughout the theater stood while Duncan and a few chiefs recited verses of the chief petty officer's creed. The group then marched out of the cinema singing Anchors Aweigh and stood in formation in the lobby to be congratulated.

Reflecting on the past six weeks of the chief transition season, Duncan said he was delighted to welcome this great group of chiefs into his mess. "It was a tremendous feeling," said Duncan. "There was no doubt in my mind, that group was the best of what NAF Atsugi's Chief's mess had to invest in the future… And I firmly believe that."

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