Capt. Timothy Kuehhas, commanding officer aboard aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), individually frocked and congratulated 256 Sailors to the next pay grade during a ceremony in the hangar bay.

The crew welcomed 23 new petty officers first class, 85 new petty officers second class, and 141 new petty officers third class, as well as 7 Sailors from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).

The ceremony allowed frocked Sailors to assume the duties and responsibilities of their selected rank before receiving the allotted pay and benefits. The appointment carries with it the obligation Sailors exercise increased authority and willingness to accept greater responsibility.

"Most commands, when the advancement results come out, they are happy to make maybe 20; we have about 300," said Kuehhas. "Awesome job, everybody. I know everyone is waiting to advance, so let's do it."

Navy advancement is based on a combination of Sailors' evaluations which reflect their accomplishments throughout the year, and an examination focused primarily on their job knowledge. Sailors also have the opportunity to earn points if they have passed the exam before but were not selected for advancement, or if they have received personal awards or college degrees.

"I work hard at my job," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Nicholas Aben. "This helps elevate this feeling of success, but all in all, I put myself into a rate that I love and it just so happened to have decent advancement."

George Washington is slated to enter the yards for refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) maintenance next year, and will not be out to sea for more than three years. This is the last opportunity the GW will have to frock Sailors at sea until after the maintenance period is completed.

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