As part of the Pinning Ceremony, Command Master Chief Gary Stephenson of Submarine Base New London, Groton, CT places a Senior Chief Petty Officer Combination Cover on newly pinned YNSCS (SS) Eric Opitz. Senior Chief Opitz' family and Captain Heath Johnmeyer, Commanding Officer, PCU District of Columbia (SSBN-826) look on. Senior Chief Petty Officers are selected as a result of their technical expertise, superior administrative skills, and most importantly, their superb leadership ability; they make up just 2.5% of the total enlisted force of the Navy.
