By MC2 Shawn J. Stewart

NPS Master of Applied Cyber Operations student, Cryptologic Technician Networks Senior Chief Melanie Labbe, is pictured with Deputy Dean of Students Cmdr. Alex Mabini during her promotion ceremony held in Glasgow Hall, June 6. During the ceremony, Labbe was pinned to the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer.

"It's been 18 years," said Labbe. "It's a proud moment, one of the proudest moments of my life."

During the ceremony, Labbe was gracious in her acceptance of the promotion, and noted she could not wait to get back to the fleet to continue her efforts with the Navy's cyber workforce.

"To make Senior Chief is such a blessing, and I plan on continuing to do good things in the fleet … I can't wait to get back to the fleet and apply what I learned here at NPS," she said with a big smile.

In spite of the excitement of her promotion, Labbe expressed that the challenge of her coursework required her to stay laser focused on her classes.

"Right now, I'm focused on my studies, raising my daughter and taking advantage, when I can, of the Monterey area," said Labbe. "I'm studying computer science and applied cyber operations, and will [soon complete] a final capstone … We are building something that will affect the fleet, and benefit the Sailors ultimately."