Chief Petty Officer

The Chief Petty Officer

Seven veteran chief petty officers of USS Pennsylvania of the United States Pacific Fleet prove the ancient adage: “Men make the Navy.” (NH 118954)

The earliest known use of the term “chief petty officer” dates back to 1776 onboard Continental Navy Ship Alfred, when the title “chief cook” was conferred upon cook’s mate Jacob Wasbie. This was an informal designation that noted Wasbie as the foremost ship’s cook, but was not officially recognized nor consistently used throughout the Navy.

The chief petty officer, as recognized today, was officially established 1 April 1893, when the rank “petty officer first class” was shifted to “chief petty officer.” This originally encompassed nine ratings (occupational specialties): chief master-at-arms, chief boatswain’s mate, chief quartermaster, chief gunner’s mate, chief machinist, chief carpenter’s mate, chief yeoman, apothecary, and band master. Chief petty officer could be either an acting (temporary) appointment, designated as AA, or a permanent appointment, designated as PA. The Career Compensation Act of 1949 created an E-7 grade that standardized pay for all chief petty officers, regardless of acting or permanent status. Acting status for chief petty officers was not eliminated until 1965. A 1958 amendment to the Career Compensation Act added two new pay grades, senior chief (E-8) and master chief (E-9), and created six new rating titles.

Today, there are three chief petty officer ranks: chief petty officer, senior chief petty officer, and master chief petty officer. Chiefs are recognized for exemplary technical expertise within their rating, superior administrative skills, and strong leadership ability. Most importantly, chiefs bridge the gap between officers and enlisted personnel, acting as supervisors as well as advocates for their Sailors.

Learn more about the rank of chief petty officer by exploring the links, below.

History and Tradition of the Chief Petty Officer

Anomaly of the "Enlisted Officer"

Master Chief Petty Officers of the Navy

A Tradition of Change: CPO Initiatives to CPO 365 (pdf)

One Hundred Years of Leadership

History of the Chief Petty Officer Grade

History of the Chief Petty Officer Grade: 120 Years of Deckplate Leadership.

Chief Petty Officers' Uniforms U.S. Navy

United States Navy Chief Petty Officer Creed

United States Navy Chief Petty Officer’s Pledge

Z-grams