FY21 Chief Petty Officer Pinning Ceremony

Sigonella welcomed 21 new chiefs to the mess Friday, Jan. 29. This year’s unusual chief season culminated in a socially-distanced chief pinning ceremony that was simultaneously broadcast virtually to compensate for reduced audience size.

Chief season normally takes place in September but was deferred to December this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The restrictions on large gatherings also impacted physical training and other aspects of this year’s season.

“Going through the season during this year presented a different set of challenges which required strict adherence to COVID-19 mitigation and the need to be flexible in the name of our long-standing tradition,” said Chief Logistics Specialist Gregory Chery, one of this year’s inductees. “However, our season leads and everyone involved did an outstanding job ensuring the safety for all 21 chief petty officer selectees for ten long weeks. Such success is due to the Chiefs Mess’ unrelenting ability to adapt and overcome in the face of adversity, and I am proud to be a part of that.”

“It was not an easy season for anyone,” said Chief Naval Career Counselor Garrick Larocque. “This season was much longer, and we had many more hurdles to overcome than a typical season. The Chiefs Mess did not cut any corners and still applied the same structure and difficulty this season. They were still tried, tested and accepted.”

Although the COVID-19 restrictions necessitated a unique season, the new chiefs still demonstrated excellence. “This year’s chiefs will forever be known as the COVID chiefs,” Larocque added. “They will now be at the forefront to share their experience and knowledge to better the fleet and their junior Sailors.”