Hammond promoted to chief petty officer

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MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Navy Chief Hull Technician Jonathan Hammond, from Washington Court House, was recently promoted to chief petty officer, an accomplishment that only one in five eligible sailors achieve each year.

Chief Hammond, a 2004 Miami Trace High School graduate, is currently serving aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.

“Being selected for chief petty officer means that the Navy approves of the things that I’ve done in my career,” said Hammond. “The Navy trusts me to continue the traditions of the chief petty officer and lead sailors.”

Achieving the title of “Navy Chief” is a major honor and milestone. According to Navy personnel command, there are only 8.5 percent of sailors currently serving at the chief petty officer rank.

To be selected for this promotion, sailors must be a petty officer first class, and successfully navigate through two qualifying factors: a job-based exam and a selection review board. A sailor’s record can only proceed to the review board after they score high enough on the exam. Once the exam is passed, their records are reviewed by a panel of senior navy leaders who meet for six weeks to determine if the individuals meet the standards for selection as a chief petty officer. A sailor’s performance is evaluated for at least five years, and each sailor attributes different experiences for their selection.

“I would have to say I overcame a tremendous amount of adversity to reach my goal,” said Hammond. “I took care of my sailors and they took great care of me.”

During the ceremony, the honored sailors invite friends and family members to pin on the two gold anchors that adorn the newly-appointed chiefs’ uniforms, while the sailor’s sponsor places the combination cover on their heads.

“I would have to thank my family and friends for their ability to care and love me despite the fact that I’ve been gone for so long,” said Hammond.

Submitted article

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