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Frocking Ceremony Highlights Role of Enablers in Naval Special Warfare
Story Number: NNS130603-10
6/3/2013

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paul Coover

CORONADO, Calif. (NNS) -- Eight Sailors at the Naval Special Warfare Command were authorized to wear the new rank insignias of their forthcoming promotions, May 31.

The frocking ceremony, where Sailors receive the right to wear the uniform and assume the responsibilities of their next rank, is a Navy tradition that precedes actual advancement. Sailors are then advanced in pay over the course of three cycles throughout the year.

Chief Warrant Officer 5 Kenneth Bowers, Master Chief Operations Specialist (EXW/SW) Donald Brockman and Special Warfare Operator Master Chief (SEAL) Terry Kelley all advanced to the top of their respective pay scales to begin the ceremony.

Advancing as petty officers were Electronics Technician 1st Class (SW) Michael Martire, Legalman 1st Class (SW/AW) Sharon Renova, Yeoman 1st Class (AW) Aaron Warga, Intelligence Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Mercedes Huff and Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paul Coover.

Naval Special Warfare, comprised of Sailors from numerous support jobs, is where Navy SEALs and Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen (SWCC) train and work. Command leaders frequently stress the importance of support roles to enable special warfare operators to complete missions.

"We could not be successful forward without the support of the enablers," said Mike Albelo, SWCC command master chief. "A lot of folks don't really realize what the enablers bring to the table."

Rear Adm. Sean Pybus, commander, Naval Special Warfare Command, recently addressed this topic in "The Year in Special Operations" magazine.

"Our success is due," Pybus wrote, "in part, to the work of dedicated Sailors: mission specialists skilled in explosive ordnance disposal, intelligence, communications, training, logistics, maintenance, medicine, and other combat support services. We could not do all that we do without them."

Legalman 1st Class (SW/AW) Sharon Renova, frockee, found it especially meaningful to be promoted while supporting Naval Special Warfare.

"Being promoted gives me more tools to help in that support role," she said. "That helps me feel part of the community."