Bells have been used on ships from as early as 1485 for warnings in poor visibility, timekeeping, fire alarms, ceremonies, and memorial functions. At the centennial of the rate of chief petty officer in 1993, a special bell was cast to mark this milestone anniversary. On display in the Naval Heritage Center, the privilege of ringing this bell belongs to all chief petty officers, past and present. Please click on the thumbnails below to see the Chiefs' Bell and photographs of bells on U.S. Navy ships.