122 years of Navy chiefs celebrated with fun run Published April 1, 2015 By Rebecca Amber Staff writer EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Navy Squadron VX-9 DET Edwards celebrated 122 years of Navy chiefs April 1. The F-35C operational test squadron hosted a 5K fun run beginning at the Rosburg Fitness Center to commemorate this day in history. The six fastest runners, outside of their squadron, received a squadron hat for their participation. The U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer's rank was established April 1, 1893. Effectively running and fighting a warship relies on bridging the gap between officers and enlisted personnel. It was from this need that the creation of the rank of chief petty officer was born. "From there it grew and grew and they started the master chief rank and senior chief rank and all three chief ranks started," said Senior Chief Mike Santacruz, Aviation Electronics technician. The fastest runner, Petty Officer 2nd Class Jener Delossantos, finished the run in 25:20. Following close behind were Seaman Christopher Chapman and Petty Officer 2nd Class Veronica Calhoun. - Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Daniel Garas contributed to this article