Fleet Readiness Center Northwest hosted a special frocking ceremony for Petty Officer 2nd Class Kathryn Allard so her grandfather, James Mulcahy, could pin on her new chevrons.

Mulcahy served as a radioman third class aboard USS Appalachian (AGC-1) in the Pacific during World War II.

"She outranks me now," said Mulcahy. "I never made second class."

Allard felt very fortunate to be able to have her grandfather be a part of the ceremony.

"We found out late Wednesday that I'd made it, and it was a whirlwind from there," said Allard. "It was just by happenstance that he was up here at the right time because of Thanksgiving. To me it meant the world because it was just totally by luck."

Allard credits Mulcahy with inspiring generations of her family to serve in all branches of the military.

"It's crazy to see all of the family that has gone military because Grandpa instilled the values into his kids, and his kids into us, the grandchildren," said Allard. "We all look up to him. Without him, I don't think any of us would've wanted to do this."

Mulcahy showed pride in his granddaughter's accomplishment and gratitude for being able to share in her moment.

"It's an honor for her to ask me to pin it on her," said Mulcahy. "I'm so pleased."

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