The amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) held a nighttime ceremony in the ship's hangar bay, May 24, during which 141 Sailors were frocked to the next paygrade.

Iwo Jima promoted 73 Sailors to petty officer third class, 62 to petty officer second class, and six to petty officer first class.

Iwo Jima increased the number of Sailors who advanced by five percent compared to the previous advancement cycle. Iwo Jima's Commanding Officer Capt. James Midkiff stated that the ship's emphasis on consistent training played a key role in the amount of Sailors advanced.

"I am very proud of our Sailors and excited for them and their families as I watch them advance in their naval careers," said Midkiff. "They've worked hard this year and it is very gratifying to see their efforts pay off. The command has invested much time and effort in a ship's school program which focuses on taking the exam, studying for the exam and aligning exam topics with divisional training. The results have been positive as morale increases with each new advancement and the proficiency of our Sailors increases the more they study."

Sailors were individually congratulated by Midkiff, Iwo Jima Executive Officer Capt. Joseph O'Brien, and Command Master Chief William Mullinax.

"Becoming a first class petty officer is one of the best opportunities because I can have a greater impact on the morale of my Sailors on a day-to-day basis," said Aviation Machinist's Mate 1st Class Noah Hubbard. "My goal now is to share what I did to help me get here so they can be at this point one day in the future."

"It feels great to finally see all that hard work, time and ambition pay off," said Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Cedric Tisdale. "Being a third class and leading Sailors and helping make them better is a challenge I'm ready to take on."

Frocking ceremonies allow Sailors to assume the title and wear the uniform of the next rank before the entitlement of increased pay or other monetary allowances. The appointment carries with it the obligation that each frocked Sailor exercise increased authority and willingly accepts greater responsibility.

The Navy has used the term frocking throughout its history, but frocking was not officially referred to as part of an advancement policy until published in the Bureau of Naval Personnel Manual in 1974.

Iwo Jima is currently conducting routine operations at sea following the completion of a continuous maintenance availability period.

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