Surface Warfare Officer School Unit (SWOSU) Great Lakes held a frocking ceremony for 11 Sailors who advanced to the next pay grade, Nov. 21.

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.

Advancing as petty officers were Gas Turbine Systems Technician Mechanical 1st Class Jennilyn Halili, Gas Turbine Systems Technician Electrical 1st Class Tyler Jeffers, Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Jim Lee, Gas Turbine Systems Technician Mechanical 1st Class Steven Mingin, Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Roger Moreiraventura, Hull Maintenance Technician 1st Class Robert Nichter, Gas Turbine Systems Technician Mechanical 1st Class Trevan Okeefe, Damage Controlman 1st Class Shiniki Reynolds, Gas Turbine Systems Technician Mechanical 1st Class Felipe Rosario, Electrician’s Mate 1st Class Rodolfo Tovar and Gas Turbine Systems Technician Electrical 1st Class Cameron White.

"These advancements are a testament to the hard work and dedication these Sailors display on a daily basis,” said Cmdr. Terrance Patterson, commanding officer of SWOSU Great Lakes. “They are proven leaders and technical experts, but now have increased authority and responsibility and much more will be expected of them. These new first class petty officers are the leaders of the enlisted community and also serve as role models to peers and the students they teach."

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For more news from Training Support Center, Great Lakes, visit www.navy.mil/.