Three hundred sixty-five Sailors from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) were frocked to the next pay grade during a ceremony held in Naval Station Everett’s base gym, Dec. 11.
The newly advanced petty officers consisted of 200 third class petty officers, 126 second class petty officers and 39 first class petty officers.
Those frocked were presented with a certificate of promotion and congratulated by Capt. Jeffrey S. Ruth , Nimitz’ commanding officer, Capt. Michael Donnelly, Nimitz’ executive officer, and Command Master Chief Teri McIntyre.
Frocking authorizes newly advanced Sailors to wear the rank and assume the responsibilities of the pay grade for which they have been selected. These Sailors do not receive pay for their promotion until their actual advancement at a later date.
For Damage Controlman 3rd Class Robert Letsinger, a Kansas City, Mo ., native, earning the title of third class petty officer is enthusing and equips him to better assist new Sailors and provide more mentorship.
“Being promoted is pretty awesome,” he said. “It is one more step on the ladder to success. I can’t wait to assist the Sailors reporting to my command and make a difference one Sailor at a time.”
According to Yeoman 2nd Class Jacob Whitis, a Killeen, Texas, native, good study methods positively reflect a Sailors future advancement results.
“For this advancement exam I studied rigorously,” he said. “My promotion to third class petty officer was automatic. I knew I would be testing early for second class petty officer, so I started studying a year in advance. I did on-the-job training and received training from other Yeomen who were subject matter experts for the subjects I knew I would be testing on.”
Sailors who did not advance this time around are advised to stay focused on their career-oriented goals.
“There is no secret to advancement,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Christopher Miguel, a Corpus Christi, Texas, native. “Study well in advance and always refer to your latest Navy Advancement Bibliography Resources (Bibs) and you can’t go wrong.”
Nimitz is currently undergoing maintenance for an upcoming deployment.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, December 13, 2012