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BATTLESHIP NEW JERSEY, continued

and paid respect to their fallen sister by placing their
anchor in a glass jar. A small token with a large collective
impact. Senior Chief Kent’s Memorial included heartfelt
orations from her CO and CPO Selects from her com-
mand, Cryptologic Warfare Activity-66, and other sailors
who were close to her. ey wore their emotions on their
sleeves, they each shared personal encounters with Senior
Chief Kent, hoping to shed light on who she truly was.
e memorial closed with the pinning of anchors to the
frame of a beautiful painting of their fallen sister. is
painting will be housed in CPO exhibit aboard the USS
NEW JERSEY, to ensure her legacy endures.

On the last day, we participated in Command Master
Chief Mark Kochanowicz’s retirement ceremony. What
an amazing place to retire a CMC with such an extensive
body of work. e excitement of the family and friends in
attendance. e enthusiasm of the sailors who are partic-
ipating; and of course, the emotions running high. ere
is no doubt that ISCM Kochanowicz is well respected
amongst his peers and loved by many. e ceremony
was complete with certi cates of appreciation to the real
heroes—his beautiful family.

Class 126’s experience aboard the Big “J” for the 10th
annual CPO Heritage Academy was one of great wealth
and value. “Overall experience was very informative with
high quality program of events that made the whole
academy worthwhile. I am very glad I got the opportu-
nity to have been part of the selectee class this year and
Chief Petty Oˆcer selects participate in damage control I look forward to becoming part of the mentors in fol-
operations. Special thanks to Camden Fire Department. lowing years,” stated HMC(Sel) Emmanuel Odebunmi,
6th Communication Battalion NYC. Odebunmi is cor-
rect, we all gained something from the experience; be that
the ability to network within the vast mess from di erent
regions or reconnecting with traditions and rich Navy
heritage.

e CPO selects of Class 126 would like to graciously
thank the sponsors for the event, including the Battleship
New Jersey Museum & Memorial for hosting us as well
as USAA and Sabre Systems Inc. who provided signi -
cant funding to the event. Other partners included the
Camden Fire Department, Chick- l-A, Delaware River
Waterfront Corporation, Garden State Goat Farm
Limited, Independence Seaport Museum, MISSION
BBQ, National Park Service, Panera Bread, Philly Pretzel
Factory, Tony Luke’s, Rita’s Italian Ice, and Wawa.
Chiefs and CPO selects crossing Delaware River during heritage run.

The Naval Enlisted Reserve Association 17