Naval Station Norfolk Chief Petty Officer Association holds first annual “Ride with the Chiefs” event

ByMCS2EmilyCasavant

PORTSMOUTH, Va Naval Station

Norfolk’s Chief Petty Officer Association (CPOA), along with Bayside Harley-Davidson and Ducati, held a “Ride With the Chiefs” motorcycle event in Portsmouth, VA, March 31st, 2023 in celebration of the Navy Chief’s 130th birthday.

The event began at the Norfolk Navy Exchange with over 50 motorcyclists doingasafetyandregistrationcheckbefore beginning the nearly 70 mile ride together “I’vedonealotofchiefsrideswhileIwas stationed in Florida but this is probably the largest one that I have ever done,” said Naval Station Norfolk Command Master Chief, Angelo Rappa

While the motorcycle group was on theirwayfromNorfolk,thestaffofBayside Harley-Davidson and Ducati, along with CPOA volunteers were preparing a picnicstyle lunch for the participants Hotdogs, burgers and refreshments were sold at a low price with all of the proceeds going back to the CPOA.

“The military is a huge part of our community and we support our military, saidAmyByronStrickland,EventsMarketing Manager at Bayside Harley-Davidson and Ducati.

The 2 hour ride ended at Bayside where riders participated in a slow ride competition and a bike show with volunteers from Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association chapter 27-1 and staff members of Bayside Harley-Davidson and Ducati.

“It’s important that we remember that theNavyisnotjustabusiness,”saidRappa. “It’s supposed to be fun too It helps to remind us that we’re part of a team away from work as well as at work.

The event ended with awards given to the winners of the slow ride competition and bike show followed by a cake cutting Tofollowtradition,thetwochiefsthathave held the Chief title for the shortest and longest time cut the cake together

“I hope we can do a whole lot more eventslikethisandIhopewemakethisone annual,” said Byron Strickland

To view upcoming Navy events in the Hampton Roads area, visit https://www navylifema.com/installation/nsn

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