NAVAL AIR STATION KEY WEST, Fla. — Six Navy First Class Petty Officers representing various Key West-based commands were officially announced as Chief Petty Officer selectees August 4, 2026. This prestigious milestone marks the beginning of an intensive, multi-week leadership and heritage training phase that will culminate with a formal pinning ceremony on September 16, 2026.

Selection to the rank of CPO is one of the most significant and hard-earned achievements in a Sailor’s career. It marks the transition from junior enlisted to a member of the “Chiefs Mess.”

The six Key West area Sailors selected are:

  • Aviation Machinist’s Mate Matthew Burciaga – Fleet Readiness Center Southeast Detachment Key West
  • Air Traffic Controller Adam Guerra – Naval Air Station Key West
  • Logistics Specialist Denise Herndon – Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Unit Key West
  • Aviation Machinist’s Mate Joshua Jones – Station Search and Rescue Key West
  • Operations Specialist Siada Tisdale – Naval Air Station Key West
  • Aviation Ordnanceman Jamie Tovar Estrada – Fighter Squadron Composite (VFC) 111

“Being selected as a Chief Petty Officer is a testament to these Sailors’ exceptional leadership, professionalism and dedication to the Navy’s mission,” said Capt. Colin Thompson, Commanding Officer, Naval Air Station Key West. “They have earned this opportunity to begin their transition into the Chiefs Mess, and we look forward to seeing them continue to develop, mentor and lead.”

The selectees have entered a rigorous training period designed to challenge them physically and mentally, instilling the trust, responsibility and historical heritage required of a Navy Chief.

“Over the next six weeks, these Selectees will be developed into stronger leaders,” said Command Master Chief John Beekman, NAS Key West. “They are joining a legacy of leadership that has anchored our Navy for over 130 years. We are ready to guide them through this demanding and rewarding process.”

At the pinning ceremony scheduled for September 16 at NAS Key West, family members, friends and military mentors will pin the historic gold anchor collar devices onto the selectees’ collars. The new Chiefs will also don their traditional Chief Petty Officer combination covers for the first time, symbolizing their formal acceptance of their new authority and responsibilities.

NAS Key West is the state-of-the-art facility for combat fighter aircraft of all military services, provides world-class pierside support to U.S. and foreign naval vessels, and is the premier training center for surface and subsurface military operations.

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