Chief Petty Officer Pinning at Molesworth: No "Messing" Around

  • Published
  • By Melony C. Angelilli, Commander's Action Group
  • JIOCEUR Analytic Center
Royal Air Force Molesworth England --  Three Sailors and one Soldier from Royal Air Force (RAF) Molesworth and two Sailors from other locations in the United Kingdom donned khaki uniforms and combination covers for the first time during a chief petty officer (CPO) pinning ceremony on Sept. 16.

The chiefs' pinning ceremony is a tradition unique to the Navy, which dates back to 1893, when the chief petty officer pay grade was created. The ceremony signifies a new position of leadership and responsibility for the Navy. Occasionally a member of a sister service is selected to become an honorary chief. This year Army Staff Sgt. Charlene Potter was selected. 

"As an Honorary chief petty officer I feel that I have the full backing of the CPO community to help me with any issues that arise,' said Potter. "That kind of camaraderie is something to be proud of!"

During the ceremony, family members and friends pin on two gold anchors to each newly appointed chief's uniform and the Sailor's sponsor places the combination cover on their heads. Next, each new chief is called to attention and walks through a cordon known as piping the side while a symbolic bell is rung in their honor. 

"This ceremony is important because it is filled with one hundred sixteen years of tradition," said Senior Enlisted Leader, Navy Master Chief Petty Officer John C. Frakes. "It is the culmination of 7 weeks of physical training, leadership training and team building that ensures each new chief petty officer is ready to assume his or her new rank."

After the ceremony, there was a reception and the newly appointed chiefs cut the ceremonial cake and posed for photos with their families, friends and sponsors.


Newly pinned chiefs are Paul A. Fleming from Intelligence Knowledge Development-Molesworth, Jamie F. Harmening from RAF Northwood, Steven D. Painter and Staff Sgt. Promotable Charlene R. Potter from RAF Molesworth, Shane M. Reisnour from Portsmith, United Kingdom and Michael J. Smith from RAF Menwith Hill.