George Washington Frocks Over 370 Sailors

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) conducted a frocking ceremony on the ship's flight deck, May 31.

Capt. Greg Fenton, commanding officer, frocked over 370 Sailors to the rates of third, second and first class petty officers.

"It was difficult," said newly-frocked Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 1st Class Christopher Walker. "I dilligently worked on my qualifications and at my job in order to succeed."

In the Navy, a frocked Sailor is authorized to wear the rate of the next higher pay grade, yet does not receive pay for that rate until their official date of promotion, which happens in three increments throughout the fiscal year.

"I came into the Navy as a seaman recruit. It has taken two-and-a-half years to earn petty officer third class," said Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Bruce Medeiros. "I feel like I know a little more to help the junior Sailors who are trying to make it in the Navy. Hard work, no complaining and earning my qualifications got me to this point."

George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its partners and allies in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

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