USS RONALD REAGAN HOST COMMITTEE ANNOUNCE GALA EVENT

Navy League of The United States - Santa Barbara Chapter

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Ronald Reagan Sailors Observe 114 Years of CPO Pride and Tradition

FOR RELEASE: 4/3/2007

From USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs

USS RONALD REAGAN, At sea (NNS) -- More than 200 chief petty officers (CPO) assigned to USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 7 and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7 gathered in the Ronald Reagan CPO Mess April 1, for a special ceremony to observe the 114th birthday of the CPO rank.

The ceremony included speeches from Rear Adm. Charles W. Martoglio, Commander of the Ronald Reagan Strike Group (RRCSG), and Capt. Terry B. Kraft, Ronald Reagan's commanding officer.

Ronald Reagan's oldest and youngest chief petty officers had the honor of cutting the traditional cake. This year's oldest CPO was Master Chief Storekeeper (SW/AW) Romeo Fulinara from the CSG 7 staff, who joined the Navy in 1978 and advanced to the rank of CPO in 1986.

“It's truly an honor to represent the CPO mess as the oldest CPO during the birthday celebration,” said Fulinara. “The youngest chief in the mess wasn't even born when I joined the Navy in 1978.”

“Having been a chief for 21 years, I'm proud to see Sailors that I led and mentored successfully achieved the CPO ranks,” added Fulinara. “Celebrating the CPO's 114th birthday celebration on board the newest aircraft carrier is truly the highlight and most memorable part of my Navy career.”

Ronald Reagan's youngest CPO was also recognized during the event.

Twenty eight year-old Chief Electrician's Mate (SW/AW) Theodosius Soiles, a nine-year Navy veteran from Ronald Reagan's Reactor Department was advanced to CPO in 2005.

"It's been a blast serving aboard in such a great Chief's Mess,” said Soiles. “I've been so proud working with every man and woman that make up our fraternity and will use their insight for years to come."

Most Ronald Reagan Sailors greeted their CPOs April 1, with a “Happy Birthday," noting the importance of the role of the CPO in today's Navy.

“My chiefs look out for me,” said Airman James Parker, from Ronald Reagan's Weapons Department. “They've been there to help me, even without an appointment.”

The Navy recognizes April 1, 1893 as the official birthday for the establishment of the CPO rank. In an official statement, Master Chief Petty of the Navy (SW/FMF) Joe R. Campa Jr. encouraged each CPO to pause for a moment on April 1, to reflect on the strong legacy of leadership founded by the Navy CPO mess.

Ronald Reagan was commissioned in July 2003, making it the ninth and newest Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. The ship is named after the 40th U.S. President, and carries the motto of “Peace through Strength,” a recurrent theme during the Reagan presidency.

RRCSG departed San Diego Jan. 27 on a scheduled deployment in order to fill the role of USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63), the Navy's only permanently forward deployed aircraft carrier, as it undergoes scheduled maintenance in Yokuska, Japan.

For more news from USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) visit www.news.navy.mil/local/cvn76 /.