DECEMBER 2, 2016, NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain (NNS) – Twenty-two Sailors from Naval Station Rota advanced to the next higher pay-grade during a frocking ceremony held in the base chapel, Dec. 2, 2016.
Frocking is a Navy tradition that enables selected Sailors to wear the uniform and take on the responsibilities of their new pay grade before they are formally advanced.
“Promoting a bunch of petty officers is a great way to end the year and kick off the holiday season,” said Capt. Mike MacNicholl, Naval Station Rota commanding officer. “One of the best parts about our jobs as leaders is seeing young Sailors getting promoted. It’s fantastic.”
Each Sailor received a frocking letter from MacNicholl, which reads in part, “Your appointment carries with it the obligation that you exercise increased authority and willingly accept greater responsibility. Occupying now a position of greater authority, you must strive with a renewed dedication toward the valued ideal of service with honor.”
The atmosphere inside the base chapel was filled with excitement and eagerness to move up the ranks and assume leadership positions, as well as added responsibilities.
“It’s great to have been frocked to second class,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Morgan Abbot. “I’ll now have more responsibility and I can start helping other Sailors similar to how my mentor helped me. I realized I could obtain certain achievements even when I didn’t feel like it could.”
Frockees included three new first class petty officers, 13 new second class petty officers and 6 new third class petty officers.
Although a frocked Sailor is authorized to wear the rate of the next higher pay grade, the Sailors will not receive pay for that rate until their official date of advancement, which happens in three increments throughout the fiscal year.
Those Sailors who did not advance this cycle or were not eligible to take the advancement exam will have a chance to take it next cycle. Sailors looking to add a chevron to their collar can find study material at https://www.nko.navy.mil.
Naval Station Rota enables and supports operations of U.S. and allied forces and provides quality services in support of the fleet, fighter, and family for Commander, Navy Installations Command in Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia (EURAFSWA).
Just as a ship performs lines of operation that provide a capability, Navy Region EURAFSWA bases perform the same eight lines of operation to provide capability to the fleet and joint and allied forces. These eight lines of operation are: air operations, port operations, safety, security, MWR, Fleet and Family Services and what is called the core; the fuels, water and power that keep the bases running. Through our lines of operation, our installations are force multipliers that maximize the combat capability of operational units.