MILTON — Naval Air Station Whiting Field recognized the accomplishments of soon-to-be-advanced sailors during a Dec. 2 frocking ceremony.
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 frocked to Third Class.
Each sailor received a frocking letter from Capt. Todd Bahlau, NAS Whiting Field commanding officer, 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.”
Sailors selected for advancement with their new ranks were: Petty Officer 1st Class Kenneth Hutton, Petty Officer 1st Class Bryan Nutter, Petty Officer 2nd Class Thomas Ballard, Petty Officer 2nd Class Lewis Mashburn Jr., Petty Officer 2nd Class Donald Sapp, II, Petty Officer 2nd Class Tinea Lewis, Petty Officer 3rd Class Jasmine Gray, Petty Officer 3rd Class Jacob Boomer, Petty Officer 3rd Class Javier Herrera, Petty Officer 3rd Class Pablo Maciashernandez and Petty Officer 3rd Class Amanda Steele.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: NAS Whiting Field sailors earn new ranks