Friends, family members and shipmates had the privilege to pin insignia devices on the collars of the Navy's newest leaders during a petty officer frocking ceremony held at the base chapel, June 3.

Twenty-three Sailors, assigned to Naval Station Rota and various tenant commands located throughout the installation, were granted the honor of wearing the uniform of the next higher pay grade before their official date of promotion.

Each Sailor received a frocking letter from Cmdr. Neil Hoffman, Rota's executive officer, which reads in part, "Your appointment carries with it the obligation that you exercise increased authority and willingly accept greater responsibility. Occupying now a position of greater authority, you must strive with a renewed dedication toward the valued ideal of service with honor."

Rota Sailors who were frocked to the next higher pay grade were:

Master-at-Arms 1st Class Michael Germain
Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 1st Class Carlos Gutierrez
Master-at-Arms 1st Class Hermes Mercado Padilla
Master-at-Arms 1st Class Alexandru Sandou
Master-at-Arms 1st Class Robert Tveden
Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Brittany Adkins
Air Traffic Controller 2nd Class Toray Burgess
Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Shawnee Bush
Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Amber Butler
Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Cheyenne Cornett
Yeoman 2nd Class Lumadrow Gabriel
Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Adam Gadacz
Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Aaron Gover
Master-at-Arms 2nd Class David King
Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Thomas Marker
Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Jordan Ogden
Air Traffic Controller 3rd Class Andrew Grippon
Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Brandon Gray
Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Azhia Lassiter
Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Jaimz Metcalf
Damage Controlman 3rd Class Calvin Johnson
Operations Specialist 3rd Class Demaris Rodas
Yeoman 3rd Class Robert Wilkins

The atmosphere inside the base chapel was filled with excitement and eagerness to move up the ranks and assume leadership positions and added responsibilities.

"It's pretty awesome," said Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Amber Butler. "I'm looking forward to becoming a section leader for harbor patrol."

"It's unbelievable," said Master-at-Arms 1st Class Robert Tveden. "I was an E-5 for 12 years so it took me a while to get here. Making chief is next for me."

The newly frocked Sailors had some advice for Sailors looking to move up in pay grade in the future. Butler recommended study and working hard. Tveden advised to never give up and keep trying your best.

Although a frocked Sailor is authorized to wear the rank of the next higher pay grade, the Sailors will not receive pay for that rate until their official date of advancement, which happens in three increments throughout the fiscal year.

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For more news from Naval Station Rota, Spain, visit http://www.navy.mil/.