USS Stethem Promotes Four CPOs

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) celebrated the pinning of four chief petty officers (CPO) with a ceremony on the mess decks Sept. 16.

Stethem’s Commanding Officer, Cmdr. John Bradford, spoke about the creation of the rank of chief petty officer and how its creation was integral to the development of the professionalism of the U.S. Navy.

“The frocking of these four outstanding Sailors to the rank of chief petty officer provides us opportunity to reflect on the importance of the chief,” said Bradford.

“The establishment of the chief petty officer rank in the 1890s marked an important milestone in the professionalization of the U.S. Navy and the value of that professionalism was clearly demonstrated in the World War II victories we won in the waters where we are currently operating. Today, while in the midst of Valiant Shield, a highly advanced exercise demonstrating the tremendous capability of our modern Navy. We are glad to congratulate these four new chiefs.”

Following Bradford’s remarks, each new CPO received their gold anchor collar devices and were presented their combination cover by their fellow chiefs.

Stethem is underway in the 7th Fleet area of operations supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

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Press Release, September 26, 2014; Image: US Navy