Command Advancement Program Benefits George Washington Sailors

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, At Sea (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) advanced 16 Sailors June 23 through the command advancement program (CAP).

CAP allows certain commanding officers (CO) to advance eligible personnel at sea or while forward-deployed in pay grades E-3, E-4, and E-5 to the next pay grade without reference to higher authority.

This program is intended to function in conjunction with, not replace, the Navy's established advancement system.

"The program gives the CO authority to advance a certain percentage of the crew meritoriously," said George Washington's Command Master Chief Shaun Brahmsteadt. "Folks that work hard and passed their exam, but can't advance or that tested and didn't score high enough, are given a chance to advance through CAP."

The one percent of Sailors who selected were advanced on the command's informative television program "The GW Show," and were personally recognized by Capt. Greg Fenton, George Washington's commanding officer.

"The CAP program helps Sailors reach their goals in acquiring rank and acknowledges a Sailor's hard work and effort," said Yeoman 2nd Class Darrius Eaton, from George Washington's administration department. "I feel accomplished that I received all that I wanted from this command. When I found out I was selected, all I could do was smile."

Many of the Sailors advanced on the program were not aware of the promotion and were surprised as Fenton called their name.

"At first, I couldn't believe I got CAP'd," said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Maria Andaya, from George Washington's medical department. "I was on the show earlier that evening to receive my enlisted surface warfare pin. I had no idea I was going to get my pin and get advanced on the same day. My leadership did not tell me anything. I was confused at first, but then I was very happy and surprised."

Sailors were selected by their respective department's leading chief petty officers. Chiefs took a close look at the performance, work ethic, and professionalism of each Sailor before selecting them for advancement.

"After I got CAP'd, I had junior Sailors approach me and ask me for advice on how to get where I am now," said Eaton. "Study hard, work hard, and stay humble. If you want to be CAP'd, put yourself in the position to be a competitive candidate."

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

For more news from USS George Washington (CVN 73), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn73/.