US Navy Chief Bill Cosby

Navy Hails Cosby as Honorary Chief

By Navy Chief Petty Officer Sonya Ansarov
Office of the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy

WASHINGTON, Feb. 18, 2011 – Navy Secretary Ray Mabus and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Rick D. West recognized actor, comedian and former sailor Bill Cosby as an honorary chief petty officer in a ceremony yesterday at the U.S. Navy Memorial and Naval Heritage Center.

Actor and comedian Bill Cosby stands between Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Rick D. West and Navy Secretary Ray Mabus during a Feb. 17, 2011, ceremony at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C., in which Cosby was recognized as an honorary chief petty officer. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jason M. Graham (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

"Bill Cosby is not just a comedian and an actor -- although he's pretty good at both -- he's also been a tireless advocate for social responsibility and education and a constant friend to the Navy," Mabus said. "Last year was the highest compliment I've ever received –- being made an honorary chief petty officer, and now Dr. Cosby –- you're about to get the same honor."

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