Naval Air Station (NAS) Whiting Field recognized the accomplishments of soon-to-be-advanced Sailors during a frocking ceremony Thursday, May 29. Twenty-six Sailors were all smiles as they were able to wear the new collar devices for the first time.
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. Matthew Coughlin, 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 from NAS Whiting Field selected for advancement with their new ranks were: ABH1 Derrick A. Battle, ABH1 David J. Casados, ABH1 David L. Castro, ABH1 Michael J. Edwards, ABH1 David D. Hernandez, ABH1 Haskell B. Jackson, ABH1 Shawn M. Johnson, ABH1 Zachary T. Nance, ABH1 Julian G. Ortiz, ABH1 Boubacar Tinni, ABH2 Robert A. Charay, MA2 Mary L. Corrales, ABH2 Justin S. Hill, AC2 David A. Knight, AC2 Jeremy K. Merki, AC2 Preston P. Miller, AC3 Daniel V. Adams, AC3 John G. Arnold, AC3 David B. Blom, AC3 Joshua T. Burton, AC3 Brittany Gansmann, AC3 Eduardo E. Longvalenzuela, AC3 Jason M. Meinhardt, AC3 Chelsea L. Morgan, AC3 Suffa F. Starke, AC3 Jordan R. Stricklin.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Sailors Wear New Ranks