by Navy Office of Community Outreach
(MILLINGTON, Tenn.) – Navy Chief Boatswain’s Mate Andrew Wood from Riceville, Tennessee, was recently promoted to chief petty officer, an accomplishment that only one in five eligible sailors achieve each year.
Chief Wood, a 2004 Walker Valley graduate, is currently serving aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.
“Being selected for chief petty officer means being apart of the most select team who makes things work and gets the job one,” said Wood.
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 doing my job to the best of my ability helped me to be selected,” said Wood.
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 family who shaped me into the person I am today and gives me strength to take on challenging task,” said Wood.