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Photos: New Navy chiefs honored in promotion ceremony at Smokey Point

Originally published September 15, 2017 at 7:58 pmUpdated September 16, 2017 at 10:22 am

It was smiles all around as newly promoted Chief Petty Officer Lonnie Harris Jr.’s hat rested just a little too low over his eyes. His father, Lonnie Sr., stood with him at Friday’s promotion ceremony at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Smokey Point, where anchor pins were placed on the serviceman’s lapels by his dad and wife. The ceremony honored nine newly promoted chief petty officers, a rank for senior noncommissioned officers indicating years of training, sea time, over-the-top performance and selection by an eligibility board of fellow chiefs. Similar ceremonies took place across the U.S. Navy worldwide on Friday. (Alan Berner/The Seattle Times)

Before cutting their congratulatory cake, all nine newly “pinned” chief petty officers celebrated by joining in a hearty Navy cheer. (Alan Berner/The Seattle Times)

Flags are prepared before the pinning ceremony by Navy personnel at the Smokey Point facility on Friday. Nine U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officers received the honor and promotion. (Alan Berner/The Seattle Times)

The anchor pins on the lapels signify promotion to chief petty officer. (Alan Berner/The Seattle Times)

Having just been promoted, new Chief Petty Officer George Wagner receives congratulations from Chief Shawn McDonough. Wagner was “pinned” by his wife, Jacinta, in red, as their seven children gathered around them. (Alan Berner/The Seattle Times)

Chief petty officers, all in khaki, salute the newest additions to their ranks following Friday’s “pinning” ceremony at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Smokey Point on Friday. (Alan Berner/The Seattle Times)

Nine new U.S. Navy chief petty officers join hands to cut the cake celebrating their promotion. (Alan Berner/The Seattle Times)

Nine Navy enlisted sailors rehearse their steps before marching in to receive the promotion to chief petty officer at Friday’s ceremony. (Alan Berner/The Seattle Times)

Chief petty officer candidates receive instructions on how to proceed into the auditorium for their “pinning,” or promotion ceremony. (Alan Berner/The Seattle Times)

Regina Harris, mother of newly “pinned” Chief Petty Officer Lonnie Harris Jr., photographs the ceremony. (Alan Berner/The Seattle Times)

The enlisted sailors march into the assembly hall for their promotion to chief petty officer Friday in a ceremony held only once a year. (Alan Berner/The Seattle Times)

Newly promoted Chief Petty Officer Joshua Flanagan holds son Joshua Jr. as his wife, Myrnesa, and daughter Madison congratulate him at Friday’s “pinning” ceremony. (Alan Berner/The Seattle Times)

Flanagan family members return to their seats after the promotion of Joshua Flanagan to chief petty officer. (Alan Berner/The Seattle Times)

Chief petty officers applaud in celebration Friday with the addition of nine new members to their ranks. (Alan Berner/The Seattle Times)

Photos: New Navy chiefs honored in promotion ceremony at Smokey PointBack to story Restart gallery

Friday’s promotion ceremony at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Smokey Point honored nine newly promoted chief petty officers, a rank for senior noncommissioned officers indicating years of training. Similar ceremonies took place across the U.S. Navy worldwide on Friday.

The Seattle Times

Seattle Times staff

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