USS Essex
 
9/13/2012 
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120914-N-RX128 - 164 SAN DIEGO - Command Master Chief Gary Mendus recites the Chief's Creed to all chiefs former and present during the Chief Pinning Ceremony onboard USS Essex (LHD 2). (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nathan J. Lang/RELEASED)
USS Essex advances 11 to chief petty officer 
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Nathan J. Lang 
SAN DIEGO – Eleven Sailors aboard amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) donned the uniform of chief petty officer today, after completing a six-week chief petty officer (CPO) induction.

“The advancement to chief petty officer is a lot different from any other rank,” said Essex Command Master Chief Gary Mendus. “This is a milestone in an enlisted member’s career and we are proud to commemorate them with the pinning ceremony and to see them wear the uniform of chief petty officer.”

However, the process of advancing to chief is not just a ceremony. After being selected for the rank of chief, but before they get to pin on their new rank insignia, chief selects must go through an induction process.

“The chief petty officer induction happens every year before the new chiefs are pinned,” said Mendus. “This induction course lasts six weeks and prepares them to be successful in their new rank and teaches them the new authority and responsibilities they will have as chief petty officers.”

The culmination of the induction is the official advancement ceremony. During the ceremony family members or friends will pin the gold fouled anchors on each of the new chiefs’ collars as they finally receive their new rank.

“It feels just outstanding to finally make chief,” said Hull Maintenance Technician Chief (Sel) Cory J. Ervin. “All I can say is I want to give thanks to all of my mentors that have sculpted me the way I am throughout my career. I also want to thank my junior guys because they ultimately helped me become the leader I am today.”

The newly pinned Essex chiefs are as follows; Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Johnny E. Brewer, Chief Machinist’s Mate Brian Chambers, Chief Hull Maintenance Technician Cory J. Ervin, Chief Information Technician Jennifer A. Martinez, Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Fuel Ismael D. Ramos, Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Fuel Dan S. Serrao, Chief Air Traffic Controller Brian J. Shouse, Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Handling Denny Thao, Chief Aviation Support Equipment Technician J. G. Turla, Chief Boatswain’s Mate Jabari S. Turner, and Aviation Support Equipment Techinician David M. Waller.
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