NEWPORT, R.I. -- U.S. Naval War College hosted the 2016 regional Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Pinning Ceremony, Sept. 16, in Spruance Auditorium, Newport, Rhode Island. The ceremony included remarks from Capt. Dennis Boyer, commander, Naval Station Newport, and officially recognized the promotion of 17 Newport-based CPOs.

The newly promoted CPOs are:
Chief Sonar Technician Gregory Morris
Chief Engineman Reginald Pierre-lys
Chief Culinary Specialist Jason Cole
Chief Musician Chris Sams
Chief Yeoman Derek Fleming
Chief Fire Controlman Christopher Wallachy
Chief Gunner’s Mate Rufus Williams
Chief Quarter Master Sonexay Phommalinh
Chief Operation’s Specialist Blaine Coughlin
Chief Culinary Specialist Devon Patterson
Chief Explosive Ordnance Disposal Austin McVeigh
Chief Boatswain’s Mate Justin Cox
Chief Hospital Corpsman Spencer Grey
Chief Gunner’s Mate Frank Kuras
Chief Fire Controlman Gary Freas
Chief Fire Controlman Brian Stroud
Chief Fire Control Technician Robert Beuning