CPO INSIGNIA 1958-1969
There were no CPO pinning ceremonies prior to 1960 since chief petty officers did not wear collar devices. CPO collar devices were introduced in 1959. All chief petty officers, E7-E9, initially wore the same device. It wasn’t until 1961 that senior chief and master chief petty officer collar devices were first authorized. When the senior chief and master chief pay grades were established in 1958, new E8 and E9 rating badges were authorized. However, all chief petty officers continued to wear the same cap device until 1969 when E8, E9, and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) cap devices were authorized. LEUCI Collection
The chief petty officer cap device was modified in 1952 to have the “USN” on a horizontal line. All CPOs, E7-E9, wore the same cap device until 1969.
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Prior to adoption of CPO pinning ceremonies, the final event in making chief was generally referred to as “wearing the hat”.