The accomplishments of 18 soon-to-be-advanced Naval Station Rota Sailors were recognized Friday during a frocking ceremony at the base chapel.

Frocking is a Navy tradition that provides the selected Sailors an opportunity to wear the uniform and take on the responsibilities of their new rank before they are formally advanced.

Each Sailor received a frocking letter from Capt. Greg Pekari, Rota's commanding 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 selected for advancement with their new ranks were: Master-at-Arms 1st Class Brian Cotton, Air Traffic Controller 1st Class Drew Ketcham, Yeoman 1st Class Peter Kuhn, Electronics Technician 1st Class Bryan Madsen, Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 1st Class Vincent Prosapio III, Air Traffic Controller 1st Class Noberto Rodriguezrico, Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) 1st Class Jennifer Terry, Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Jason Barker, Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Taylor Delval, Yeoman 2nd Class Michael Ford, Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Kylee Fuller, Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Kristen Henigan, Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Jonathan Perez, Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Daniel Rodriguez, Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Jonathan Seabrook, Master-at-Arms 2nd Class James Short, Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Nicholas Taylor, and Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Stefan Lesniewski.

"Your advancement is attributable to your hard work," said Pekari. "Our command master chief and the senior leadership are always pushing Sailors to work hard towards promotion as well as an education."

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

"It's very exciting knowing that I will be in a leadership position and can help assist other Sailors," said Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Taylor Delval. "It's a really great experience and I'm really excited."

"It feels amazing," said Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Jonathan Perez. "After all the hard work and all the time that I put into advancing, it feels good to finally make it."

Although a frocked Sailor is authorized to wear the rate 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.

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