FIRST CLASS PETTY OFFICERS
It is often said that the Chief Petty Officers run the US Navy, however they are not born a Chief so this sense of heritage and dedication of duty must have come from somewhere right? The US Navy Chief Petty Officer has a rich heritage officially dating back to 1 April 1893, however prior to this date these Deckplate Leaders served with Honor, Courage, and Commitment as First Class Petty Officers.
THE EAGLE
The eagle on the petty officer rating badge is derived from the Napoleonic eagle. This eagle was usually embroidered facing left. Why the Napoleonic eagle faces left is unknown. In 1941, the Navy changed the eagle’s facing direction to follow the heraldic rules which face right toward the wearer’s sword arm. This rule continues to apply and the eagle now faces to the front or the wearer’s right. The Crow is the mark of a US Navy Petty Officer, with three distinctive chevrons marking them as the top tier enlisted leadership there on the Deck plates. The Chief plays an important part as the bridge between the enlisted Sailors and the Wardroom however day to day running of the ship is the responsibility of the First Classes.
First Class Petty Officers
First There Were Firsts: The First Class Petty Officer has played an instrumental part in Naval History, and now you can own a piece of it with this Genuine Navy Pride Challenge Coin! Created by Genuine United States Navy Sailors for Genuine United States Navy Sailors!
Licensed and approved by the United States Navy.
The Design features an angry crow perched upon the three chevrons of a Navy First Class Petty Officer watching over the horizon ensuring the safety of all those under his charge. The chevrons are painted half gold, and half red to symbolize the importance of both youthful energy of a “Red Stripe” Sailor as well as the tempered wisdom of the Salty Old School “Gold Chevron” Sailor who has sailed the seven seas.
- Deep 3D relief with metallic and colored accents
- 2 inch coin
- Highly detailed relief USN Commemorative Coin.
- Government Approved – Lab Tested – Packed in 100% Salt Water – Sealed For Freshness