Navy Chief Culinary Specialist Ferlissia Hunnicutt from East Saint Louis was recently promoted to chief petty officer, an accomplishment that only one in five eligible sailors achieve each year.
Chief Hunnicutt, a 2006 Pebblebrook High School graduate, is currently serving aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.
“Being selected for chief petty officer means that my job has really just begun,” said Hunnicutt. “With these anchors come more responsibilities and I owe to everyone to be that example and build and bring as many sailors with me as possible.”
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 supported my sailors, leadership and command,” said Hunnicutt. “I pushed myself beyond my limits and made sacrifices even when they made me uncomfortable.”
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 from friends, family, mentors and most importantly my sailors,” said Hunnicutt. “This never would have happened if it wasn’t for their hard work and dedication. So I thank them for allowing me to lead them, and supporting me in my decisions.”
