by Navy Office of Community Outreach
(MILLINGTON, Tenn.) – Navy Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Jay Workman, from Cleveland, was recently promoted to chief petty officer, an accomplishment that only one in five eligible sailors achieve each year.
Chief Workman, a 2000 Life Skills Center of Cleveland graduate, is currently serving aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.
“Being selected for chief petty officer is the hardest earned victory to date,” said Workman. “Nothing of it was done alone. It gives a spellbinding sense of purpose and obligation to those with them whom I serve and their families. It is about bringing solutions to problems, calm to chaos and everyone to the next level. This is by far the most honorable and humbling experience of my career and I don’t take it lightly.”
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 1st 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 being the leader I always wanted to work for, not the one people only tolerated,” said Workman. “I eliminated the individual mentality and adhered to the team’s goals and unification. I love what I do day in and day out. You must get involved in your community, expect nothing in return, and forgive yourself for the mistakes that you have and will make.”
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 friends, family and those that I have honored to lead,” said Workman. “You can try to articulate the indebtedness and gratitude you will feel but words seem to fall short. May this opportunity to serve my country in a higher capacity be tribute to your investment.”