The guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun (DDG 103) frocked its newest petty officers during a ceremony on the flight deck, June 2.

Cmdr. Troy Denison, Truxtun's commanding officer, individually congratulated each Sailor and presented them with a frocking letter officially recognizing them for the first time with their new rank.

"It was truly an honor to advance these Sailors to the next pay grade," said Denison. "It requires hard work, preparation and outstanding performance to advance and these Sailors should be proud of this accomplishment in their Navy careers."

The leadership aboard Truxtun is confident these petty officers will be successful.

"A higher rank is more than just a pay raise, it comes with increased responsibility," said Command Master Chief Roger Harding. "This is a group of dedicated Sailors who are well-trained and I'm confident they will be successful in their new roles in their departments and divisions."

Frocking allows Sailors to assume the title, wear, obligation and authority of the next higher pay grade based on the semi-annual advancement exam results.

The newly-frocked petty officers waited more than two months to find out if they would be advanced to the next higher pay grade.

"Waiting is the hardest part," said Gas Turbine Systems (Mechanical) 3rd Class Jayton Witt. "You're anxious with anticipation until the quotas come out and then you really get nervous. All of that went away when I heard the CO call my name over the 1MC as one of the Sailors who advanced."

All the newly promoted Sailors had to attend a mandatory petty officer indoctrination course where they learned the responsibilities that comes with their new rank. Chief petty officers and petty officer 1st classes used their knowledge and expertise to teach the newly promoted Sailors on topics such as Navy Core Values, leadership and mentorship.

The term "frock" originated with the monks and the cloaks they wear. Frock meant "to invest with priestly office or privilege." Today's Navy frocking practice can be traced to the early 19th century when the wearing of a higher rank before receiving the pay was necessary at times, especially during war, to swell the ranks.

In addition to the frocked petty officers, there were three chief petty officers who had to add a silver star to the top of the gold-fouled anchor on their collar devices.

"I was completely shocked when I found out I made Senior Chief," said Senior Chief Fire Controlman Gary Elliott. "This promotion was not a reflection of my hard work but that of the hard-charging Sailors I have that work for me. They helped me earn this star."

Truxtun, homeported in Norfolk, is part of the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group.

GHWBCSG is comprised of the staff of CSG-2; aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77); the nine squadrons and staff of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8; Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 22 staff; guided-missile destroyers USS Laboon (DDG 58) and USS Truxtun (DDG 103); and guided-missile cruisers USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) and USS Hue City (CG 66).

Truxtun is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations designed to reassure allies and partners and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region.

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For more news from USS Truxtun (DDG 103), visit www.navy.mil/.