Yearly, on April 1st, an epic and historic birthday is celebrated in the U.S. Navy.

The rank of chief petty officer was established April 1st, 1893. Today, we proudly celebrate 130 years.

Happy Birthday Chiefs, Senior Chiefs, and Master Chiefs! We are the backbone of the Navy and the keepers of its traditions.

Specifically, for this post, I went to the Navy History and Heritage website – Chief Petty Officer (navy.mil).

Chief Petty Officers are unique as senior enlisted leaders. Furthermore, no other U.S. military branch has senior non-commissioned officers with the degree of responsibility.

Chiefs have a creed we follow. Indeed, it guides the way we work. Undeniably, the creed serves as a north star, pointing us to being the leaders we are meant to be.

As well, we have a pledge we make to ourselves and our Sailors.

Epic and historic – That is who we are

Chiefs have been awarded 55 Congressional Medals of Honor. Chief Petty Officer Recipients of the Medal of Honor (navy.mil)

Accordingly, Chiefs have contributed to the success of the Navy for 130 years and counting. As well, they build on those traditions daily. History of the Chief Petty Officer (navy.mil)

Specifically, Chiefs are deck plate leaders and the backbone of the U.S. Navy. Unquestionably, the Navy would not perform well without Chiefs.