CHINA LAKE, Calif. –Nine of China Lake’s finest enlisted personnel were promoted to chief petty officer Friday, Sep. 16. The tradition of “pinning” the chief began in 1893 when the chief petty officer pay grade was established in the Navy. The 2011 CPO Class 118 ceremony took place at the Paradise Cove conference center at China Lake. NAWCWD Command Master Chief Charles Grandin led the presentation and the China Lake Marine Aviation Detachment color guard paraded and posted the colors.

NAWCWD commander, Rear Adm. Mat Winter, was the guest speaker. During the ceremony, family members or friends attached a gold “fouled” anchor pin to each collar of the new chief. Each sailor's sponsor then placed the combination cover, which signifies the position of authority, leadership, and rank, on the new chief.

A grueling six-week leadership training and team building exercise preceded the ceremony. Newly pinned chiefs included GMC(SW) Jason Adams, AOC(AW) David Connolly, ACC(AW) Allen Downing, AMC(AW) Jason Harmon, EODC(EWS/EXW) Geoff Hurley, ATC(NAC) John Litzinger, AOC(AW/SW) Amy Miller, AEC(AW) Chad Shellenberger, and AEC(AW) John Word were promoted to the E-7 rank of Chief Petty Officer.

Hundreds of American flags graced both sides of Blandy Avenue to acknowledge and celebrate the promotion of nine worthy enlisted into the infamous “goat locker.”