Navy Chief Electrician’s Mate Jose CamachoMartinez, from Homestead, recently was promoted to Chief Petty Officer, an accomplishment that only one in five eligible sailors achieve each year.
Chief CamachoMartinez, a 1998 Homestead Senior High School graduate, currently is serving aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.
“Being selected for Chief Petty Officer is an amazing accomplishment and recognition to all the hard work and dedication my sailors have put in over the years along with the love and support of my family,” CamachoMartinez said.
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 First Class, and successfully navigate through two qualifying factors: a job-based exam and a selection review board. A sailor’s record only can proceed to the review board after he or she scores high enough on the exam. Once the exam is passed, the 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 my sailors I took care of and the commands I worked in by leading, mentoring, getting involved and working alongside to accomplish the mission were primary factors in my selection,” CamachoMartinez said.
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 all my friends and family,” CamachoMartinez said. “This one is for you!”
