Sailors wear new ranks

Naval Air Station (NAS) Whiting Field recognized the accomplishments of soon-to-be-advanced Sailors during a frocking ceremony Dec. 10 and Dec. 11.  The new Third Class Petty Officers were recognized in front of their peers Dec. 10 and the Second and First Class Petty Officers on Dec. 11.

The frocking ceremony is a Navy tradition that provides the selected Sailors an opportunity to wear the uniform and take on the responsibilities of their new rank before they are formally advanced.  Second Class Petty Officers were frocked to First Class, Third Class Petty Officers were frocked to Second Class and Airmen were frocked to Third Class.

“It’s nice to be able to reward the efforts of good Sailors and to see the results of their hard work.”

Twelve Sailors from NAS Whiting Field were selected for advancement including:  Air Traffic Controller First Class Christopher Duffie; Air Traffic Controller Second Class Joshua Barbier, Ashley Coleman, Eric Rhodes and Adriana AyaLabarcellos; Air Traffic Controller Third Class Timothy Egerdahl, Glory Peak and Jermaine Roby; Aviation Boatswain's Mate First Class Leonardo Treggi; Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Second Class Larry Barron, Gilbert June, and Andrew McDougle.

Each Sailor received a frocking letter from Capt. Hall 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 ceremony was held at the base’s operations department auditorium.