by Navy Office of Community Outreach
(MILLINGTON, Tenn.) – Navy Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Robert Zimmer from East Providence, Rhode Island, was recently promoted to chief petty officer, an accomplishment that only one in five eligible sailors achieve each year.
Chief Zimmer, a East Providence Senior High School graduate, is currently serving aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.
“Being selected for chief petty officer is a great honor and I am proud to serve my sailors,” said Zimmer. “I intend to put the mission and my sailors first.”
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 I am indebted to my chiefs that guided me, my sailors who allowed me to lead them, my parents, wife and children who stood by me,” said Zimmer. “I didn’t get here on my own.”
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 everyone who supported me,” said Zimmer. “Our job is easy when you have people who believe in you, so I thank you all.”