San Diego, California. (January 24, 2025): They are the glue that holds a unit together by providing the vital conduit between enlisted troops and the officers who lead them. In short, the non-commissioned officer is the backbone of any successful military. In this photo by Seaman Apprentice Eliora Sims, Chief Petty Officer Si Zhao's wife and son pin him during a ceremony aboard the USS Tripoli.

A Navy Pinning Ceremony celebrates the promotion of First-Class Petty Officers to the rank of Chief, a significant milestone in their careers. In a tradition dating to 1893, family members and fellow Sailors come together to recognize the hard work and dedication of the new Chiefs as they join the ranks of senior leadership. 

Because Chiefs carry more responsibility than any other enlisted rank, they go through a rigorous selection process. First, a prospective Chief must be recommended for promotion by the unit commander based on an assessment of their technical and leadership skills. In addition to excellent evaluations, a “selectee” must pass a board of their peers chaired by an officer. If they make it this far, the next step is Chief season, also known as chief's initiation, which is a six-week period of tough physical training and lessons on Navy traditions.

The curriculum of Chief Season varies by unit but always includes plenty of physical fitness, impossible tasks, and real-life leadership scenarios. During training bordering on hazing, potential Chiefs must make critical decisions under extreme pressure. Not all make it.

Newly minted Chiefs are welcomed into the official “Chief’s Mess” fraternity that represents the top ten percent of enlisted leaders in the Navy.