USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) frocked 192 first, second and third class petty officers during a frocking ceremony on the ship's flight deck, May 27.

As Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier prepare the ship for its next deployment, these Sailors will carry greater responsibility.

Sailors were advanced based on a number of factors such as evaluations, exam scores, time in rate, awards and pass not advanced points.

Capt. Ryan B. Scholl, Truman's commanding officer, said the advancement of each Sailor represents the "Give 'Em Hell" spirit aboard Truman.

"We are a warship that trains and operates every day to excel in our mission," said Scholl. "I am honored and take great pride in advancing 192 fighters who worked hard to get Harry S. Truman back out to sea and complete a very successful sea trials. We have several events ahead that these Sailors now take a greater responsibility to lead us through."

Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class B. L. Royal, a newly frocked petty officer, said that her fellow Sailors were essential to her advancement.
"Our leadership made sure time was set aside for training," said Royal. "During the maintenance period and training drills, they made sure to point out the things we needed to know for advancement. Everything I do on the job helps me in my rate and to advance."

Senior Chief Personnel Specialist R. J. Allen said with a higher rank comes more responsibility and greater expectations.

"Petty officers lead by example," said Allen. "They are the deckplate leaders responsible for developing junior Sailors professionally and personally. Petty officers are the first step in the chain of command, which makes them the bridge between the upper chain of command and new check-ins. "

Allen said he is excited to see the newly frocked Sailors advance to the next rank, as well as help mentor others for the next advancement exam.

Ship's Serviceman 2nd Class J. N. Allen expressed her excitement to make second class.

"The shipyard schedule was challenging," said Allen. "We had to maintain flexibility and adapt on the fly. Hard work and persistence helped me through. I was promoted in a rate where only 14 percent advanced to second class. With this promotion, I look forward to the increased responsibility of mentoring and training my peers."

Lt. Cmdr. Kent L. Davis, Truman's aircraft handling officer, serves aboard Truman with his son, Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class J. K. Davis. He said it was an amazing feeling to witness his son's frocking.

"He missed his advancement to third class the first time by 3 points while it was at 23.7 percent quota," said Davis. "He studied every night and was able to make it by less than a point this time when the quota was 16.8 percent. This gives me great pride. I witnessed his dedication and hard work and to see it pay off is awesome."

Scholl said he is excited to start a new phase for Truman with the newly frocked leaders.

"Everybody on Truman has the authority and responsibility to lead from their assigned position," said Scholl. "This fantastic group of Sailors has taken the next step and is poised to accept a greater role in preparing this ship to meet its mission - to fight and win at sea."

For more news from USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), visit www.navy.mil/.