New Navy Chiefs pinned at Seabee base, marking milestone in careers

GULFPORT, Miss. (WXXV) — Dozens of sailors assigned to the Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport now have a new rank, and were recognized on Monday with a big ceremony.

Fifty-seven service members were promoted, and we got the chance to talk with some of the sailors and their family members about what this momentous occasion means for them.

A promotion to chief is no easy feat. These sailors spent the last six weeks enduring rigorous, constant training and mentorship to prepare them for the role known as “the backbone of the U.S. Navy.”

“A lot of dedication, a lot of time away from families, and this is the capstone, if you will, of the long weeks of training. So, this is a great moment in the process. Everyone is excited, so we’re excited for our new chiefs,” said Master Chief James Blue.

These sailors have spent well over a decade climbing through the ranks prior to their promotion to Chief Petty Officer. With 18 years of service, Chief Carolynn Breeden says becoming a chief was always a dream of hers, but it was her son’s promise that pushed her.

“My son’s promise to me was, ‘Mom, I’ll go to college if you promise me you’ll try to make chief.’ And I upheld my promise, so now he has to enroll in college,” said Chief Breeden. “Actually, I called him this morning and I was like, ‘So, about that enrollment process.’ He was like, ‘Really Mom? Get dressed and go to your promotion.'”

Today, Chief Breeden’s family placed a new pin on her collar and congratulated her on this milestone.

“This promotion means the world to me and my family… make my kids proud. I’ve mirrored my career off the Chief’s Mess, and I’ve always, from day one, wanted to become a chief,” she said.

The new chiefs were met on stage by their husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, and children, who pinned their loved one with an anchor, then a cover was placed on each sailor’s head by a sponsor. The sailors then, individually, were able to walk the stage for their first salute and introduction as chief.

One father said he’s proud that his son is being promoted to chief at the same base he was once stationed at.

“Yeah, we’ve been planning this for a while, ever since he’s been trying to make chief. He always said, ‘Get ready, whenever I make it you’re coming down here.’ It’s special to us,” said Michael Boughton.

Only a small percentage of sailors reach the rank of chief, so congratulations to each of these service members on the incredible achievement.