The Port Arthur News
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Chief Pettis Sims joined the Navy in 1989 in Houston, Texas. After attending Fireman Apprenticeship Training Program in San Diego, Ca., Sims graduated in the top two percent and was able to pick the Yeoman “A” School in Meridian, MS. Chief Sims’ first sea command was aboard the USS Guam (LPH 9) homeported in Norfolk, VA. He successfully earned his Enlisted Air Warfare Specialist (EAWS) and advanced to Petty Officer Second Class. In June 1992, Chief Sims reported to Supreme Allied Commander, Atlantic in Norfolk, Va. After the successful completion of this tour, Chief Sims reported to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 121 where he was advanced to First Class Petty Officer. In December of 1998 Sims reported to United States Central Command in Tampa, Fla. where he graduated from Leo University with a Bachelors Degree in Criminology and Minor in Human Resources. In February 2003, Sims reported to USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20). Sims successful earned his Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) and reported to USS George Washington (CVN 73) in April 2005. Pettis Sims was promoted to LT in October 2009 and is in the Naval Station Pensacola, Fla.
Chief Sims wears the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, two Joint Service Achievement Medals, two Navy Achievement Medals, Combat Action Ribbon, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, two Navy Unit Commendations, four Good Conduct Awards, National Defense Service Medal, three Armed Forces Service Medals, three Southeast Asia Service Medals, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, five Sea Service Ribbons, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal and Kuwait Liberation Medal Government of Kuwait.
Sims is a 1986 graduate of Lincoln High School and the son of Flavia Sims of Port Arthur.
