San Antonio Advances 41 Sailors

USS SAN ANTONIO, At Sea (NNS) -- Forty-one Sailors on board the amphibious transport dock USS San Antonio (LPD 17) who advanced to their next rank were formally recognized June 4 during a frocking ceremony held on board.

Twenty-three Sailors were advanced to the rank of E-4 and officially put on their first chevron. There were also 13 petty officers advanced to E-5 and five advanced to E-6.

“This is a change that I am ready and willing to accept, although this was my first time taking the exam,” said Engineman 3rd Class Josh T. Bishop. “It’s going to be tough, but it is the next step in my naval career and I am ready for the challenges that lie ahead.”

Lt. Cmdr. Jon Haydel, San Antonio’s executive officer, said, “We prepare young Sailors for advancement in their rates by developing a strong departmental training plan.”

“[Sailors are able to develop their leadership skills] with on-the-job training and through our command petty officer indoctrination course held the week before the frocking ceremony,” added Haydel.

“Indoc taught me a lot about leadership and the things that will be asked of me as a new petty officer,” said Bishop. “The first class petty officers that taught the class have been through a lot, and they have so much to offer us junior petty officers.”

Damage Controlman 1st Class Michael Schweikert, San Antonio’s training leading petty officer, said Indoc is an important time for the new petty officers.

“It gives them a chance to hear and see the things we as senior petty officers have been through,” said Schweikert. “It also helps them to develop their own styles of leadership [since] these Sailors are the future of our Navy.”

San Antonio is currently at sea conducting underway drills en route to its homeport of Naval Station Norfolk.

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