Sailors Wear New Ranks
Sailors Wear New Ranks
Naval Air Station (NAS) Whiting Field recognized the accomplishments of soon-to-be-advanced Sailors during a frocking ceremony Thursday, May 31. Seventeen 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 will be frocked to Second Class and Airmen will be 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 including: Air Traffic Controller Airman James Scott, Air Traffic Controller Airman Austin Suppes, Air Traffic Controller Airman Erin Muir, Air Traffic Controller Airman Keesha Hunt, Air Traffic Controller Airman Vernon Dantzler, Master-at-Arms Seaman Ian Wieserman, Air Traffic Controller 3rd Class James Blake, Air Traffic Controller 3rd Class Gabriel Poncevega, Air Traffic Controller 3rd Class Kyle Richardson, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Adam Oliver, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Christopher Lipscomb, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class John Greenwood, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Robert Parker, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Jeffery Pierson, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Christopher Bullock, Air Traffic Controller 2nd Class Steve Gonzalez, Religious Programs Specialist 2nd Class Yolanda Jordan and Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Oscar Ruelas.
“This day marks a lot of hard work and dedication, and I want to congratulate you all,” Coughlin stated. “This is always one of my favorite days, and the recognition is well deserved. Great job!”
Air Traffic Controller Airman Erin Muir receives her frocking letter from Capt. Matthew Coughlin during the frocking ceremony at Naval Air Station Whiting Field Thursday, May 31. The ceremony marks the selection of the Sailors for advancement and is the first time they are permitted to wear the insignia of their new rank. U.S. Navy photo by Jay Cope.
