A chief petty officer has his new military uniform cap placed on his head by his sponsor while his family watches during ceremony held aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune Sept. 14. Sponsors prepare the chief petty officers mentally and physically for the challenges they will encounter in their new roles. - A chief petty officer has his new military uniform cap placed on his head by his sponsor while his family watches during ceremony held aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune Sept. 14. Sponsors prepare the chief petty officers mentally and physically for the challenges they will encounter in their new roles.