Navy Reservists Deployed to Afghanistan Getting Chief Anchors

Nine Navy Reservists Deployed to Afghanistan Selected to Receive Chief Anchors
Story Number: NNS140703-01
Release Date: 7/3/2014
By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg
International Security Assistance Force Headquarters Public Affairs

KABUL, Afghanistan (NNS) -- For nine First Class Petty Officers serving in Afghanistan, the news that they will be promoted to Chief Petty Officer this September is a dream come true and reward for years of hard work.

Chief (Sel) Logistics Specialist Douglas Cowles, a Navy Reservist, assigned to International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) represents one of the nine selectees. Cowles reflected on what the chief anchors mean to him.

"Over the next two and a half months I will gain an understanding of what the chief anchors mean," said Cowles, who already knew the anchors signified "greater responsibility."

NAVCENT Forward Headquarters Command Master Chief (AW) Tim Rixson, who is finishing his twilight tour in the Navy, looks forward to participating in CPO 365 Phase 2.

"I have been a chief for the past 14 years and the chief selection process has always been a proud moment either here or anywhere in the world," said Rixson.

Senior Chief Personnel Specialist (SW/AW) Raina Hockenberry, assigned to ISAF's J1 Deputy Advisor Team for the Ministry of Interior and Navy Element senior enlisted leader, is honored to participate in CPO 365 Phase 2 while forward deployed.

"I remember many Chiefs who have guided me along the way and to be able to play that role for newly selected Chiefs is an honor," said Hockenberry. "To be able to conduct Phase 2 while forward deployed is just another example of Navy Chiefs getting it done. The best part is getting to share our process with the other branches and nations."

Hockenberry, who mentors and advises enlisted Sailors stationed at ISAF HQ, is impressed by their versatility and dedication to the mission.

"Our Sailors are amazing. We take them away from the ships, squadrons and Naval Operation Support Centers and ask them to be a sand Sailor," said Hockenberry. "They not only do it, but they do it so well. I have spoken with many of our counterparts in the Army, Air Force and Marines and the Navy is the only branch that devotes an entire training phase to prepare our Sailors for the position of a Chief Petty Officer or Non-Commissioned Officer."
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I filmed this a couple of years ago and will give you some idea of what this is all about.

7 new Navy Chief Petty Officers were pinned today in Orlando at the Reserve Center with a couple of really funny moments.