It was back in early September that Gunner’s Mate 1st Class Tristan Brayman along with Hospital Corpsmen 1st Class Cyrus Cunningham, Ferrell Jenkins and Sonnypaul Soriano, were notified by command leadership that they were chosen to be part of Fiscal Year 2023 Navy Chief Petty Officer ranks.

That span of approximately six weeks - filled with challenges, adversity, and hardship - was a lifetime ago for the quartet.

Since then, each has embarked upon a career-defining, occupational-validating, name-changing path like no other.

Gone forever are previous references of GM1 and HM1.

They have individually forged their new professional and personal reputation as a senior enlisted leader. They will henceforth, forever, be referred to as ‘Chief.’



To signify their new leadership position as Chief Gunner’s Mate Brayman, Chief Hospital Corpsman Cunningham, Chief Hospital Corpsman Jenkins and Chief Hospital Corpsman Soriano, each took part in the time honored tradition of the chief’s pinning ceremony, Oct. 21, 2022 [note: HMC Cunningham, assigned to Navy Medicine Readiness Training Unit Everett, had his pinning ceremony held in conjunction with Naval Station Everett].

“The announcement of the chief petty officer classification became effective, April 1, 1893. Since that date the role of the chief petty officer, or as commonly referred to as ‘the chief,’ has had many transformations. In its beginning, the role of the chief was simply to be the technical expert, master of their trade craft, the best of the best within their field,” shared NMRTC Bremerton Command Master Chief Brandon May, noting that the passage of time has not only reaffirmed the commitment to excellence in professional aptitude, but expanded into fulfilling a trio of needs.

“Today’s chief is not only demanded to be the technical expert within their field, but also an expert trainer, mentor, planner and leader.” May said.

“Today’s chief is demanded to put their Sailor’s first,” continued May. “First before self and often times first before family.”

“Today’s chief has been levied more authority, accountability and responsibility since inception in 1893,” exclaimed May.



Capt. Patrick Fitzpatrick, Naval Hospital Bremerton director, NMRTC Bremerton command officer and keynote speaker for the ceremony, noted that once Brayman, Cunningham, Jenkins and Soriano join the ranks of their brothers and sisters in the Chiefs Mess, the world will look and feel a little different to them and in turn, they will appear different to those around them.

“If you feel a little nervous about the expectations that you must be all things to all men, perhaps you should be. It’s what keeps leaders humble and what will keep you constantly seeking to be a better person, a better leader. That’s a very good thing, because if we are satisfied with the status quo, we would never see change,” remarked Fitzpatrick.

In no other branch of the service is there such a notable transformation from one enlisted rank paygrade to another than when a U.S. Navy Sailor becomes a chief.

The manner of promotion to the rank of chief in the Navy is a unique process compared to the other branches in the armed forces. In the Army, Air Force and the Marine Corps, an E-6 becomes E-7.

In the Navy, each eligible Sailor for chief is required to be selected by a ranking and selection board composed of master chiefs who actively designate future leadership from the most capable Sailors, considering both their aptitude as technical experts and ability as leaders.

“You were selected because your leaders have trust in you; that you have and will continue to build on a solid foundation. You are leaders. If you continue to honor the sacred tenets of your responsibilities, you will become great leaders,” said Fitzpatrick.

“You must give something of your selves to lead others. Be present, and be ready always,” Fitzpatrick said, emphasizing that honesty, toughness, teamwork, dedication, and resilience were the values of the sacred tenets.

“You must model these attributes; trustworthiness, sincerity, discipline and rigorous thoughtfulness,” cited Fitzpatrick, also asking each new chief to know what they’re about, be self-motivated, and never hesitate to celebrate success and recognize excellence in others.



Fitzpatrick affirmed what’s important to him as a leader is for them to trust and care for their Sailors which is what they will receive from him in return.

“You’re not alone: I have your back,” said Fitzpatrick addressing the new chiefs. “The mess and I will not let you fail because your success is our success. But I will challenge you to be better, every day. What I expect of you, and others, is fairness and compassion for those who we serve and your fellow team members. There is no us versus them. Don’t assume privilege for yourself. Work for it and earn respect every day. Non-negotiables are that I and you should never tolerate inequity or inequality in your sphere of influence. Teach this to all Sailors.”

After the ceremony ended, with the ceremonial cake cutting completed, those who attended the event dispersed, and the command quarterdeck arranged back to normal, the new chiefs, escorted by family and friends departed.

Come Monday morning when each arrives back at work, their uniform will be altered and their title will be different.

They’ll also be addressed by their new name. Call them ‘Chief.’