Getting selected for advancement is a phenomenal moment in every Sailor's career. This year one Sailor aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) (GW) was selected to advance to the highest enlisted rank of E-9, or, master chief.

"I feel extremely honored that my community has chosen to make me one of the master chiefs in our community," said Senior Chief Intelligence Specialist Beth Frye, the future master chief. "We have a very small community and it's incredibly humbling to know that they have that faith in me. I feel overwhelmed and blessed. This is an opportunity to look back on what I've accomplished and what opportunities have been put in front of me."

GW had many Sailors eligible for advancement to master chief, however, Frye was the only one selected for the prestigious rank.

"It's hard because I'm surrounded by outstanding senior chiefs on board GW, and I fully expected many of them to put on master chief this cycle," said Frye. "It's overwhelming to me that I was selected. It was unexpected both being selected and being the only one. All I can really say to my fellow [senior chiefs] is just don't give up. Keep pushing forward and know that you are doing great things and your time will come. There's outstanding leadership on board this ship and I hope that they will be recognized next year."

Frye put a majority of her thanks toward her Sailors and mentors for making this a possibility for her.

"I'm at 26 years right now which is higher tenure," said Frye. "I was one of those that had to do the extension to Dec. 31 in order to get this look. I had the opportunity to talk to Sailors in intel department to thank them. I know I wouldn't be at the level that I am without the Sailors that have worked for me and with me over the years. I wanted to thank them because it meant a lot to me.

"One thing I wanted them to know was to never give up. I never made rank first time up ever, yet somehow I made it first time up this go. I am overwhelmed. I'm thankful and honored. I'm blessed. I wanted them to know that if they want something they need to keep pushing and to never let up."

One Sailor who has worked with Frye since they were stationed aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) prior to the three-carrier hull-swap, said that he is proud that she made this advancement.

"It's motivating," said Intelligence Specialist 1st Class Zachary Christenson. "She pushed me to where I am today and I'm glad to see her put on that extra star. I think she absolutely deserves it. She has been an unbelievable mentor and pushed me to advance in my career. It's not only me, but every single Sailor under her has advanced under her leadership."

Seeing someone in a leadership position getting advanced can also impact the Sailors working with them in a positive way as well. It can bring out the determination to work harder and do better to continue to bring that positive recognition to the department.

"I honestly think her advancement brings up morale and motivation," said Christenson. "Our hard work is reflected under her and when she advances it shows that we are doing the right thing and she is doing the right thing and to keep pushing toward getting advanced."

Christenson said Frye is very adamant about taking care of her Sailors and helping get them where they need to be. He also said her passion for the Navy is evident in everything that she does. As Frye puts on her new rank as a master chief, she will also experience a change in roles, however she said she won't let that change how she treats her Sailors.

"I'm still going to take care of Sailors," said Frye. "I'm still going to be active in my rate and active in my community so I don't see that role changing. I'm going to shore duty after this tour, so I'm excited to get into the big picture, community manager side of the house and give back more to my rate in things I haven't been able to do being out on sea duty. I think my roles will change in that I'll be giving back to my community, but I also see taking care of Sailors as being my number one."

Advancement to those ranks is based off of boards, where members of the community look at what collaterals the eligible senior chiefs held, as well as how they are taking care of their Sailors. They look at how they are performing and if they are exceeding the expectations. They then rank all the eligible senior chiefs and the top ranking are selected depending on the amount of slots available to the community.

Frye was one of six Sailors selected to advance to the rank of master chief in the intelligence specialist community and the only senior chief aboard George Washington to advance.

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