Sixteen Sailors assigned to U.S. Naval Base Guam (NBG) were advanced in a time-honored Navy tradition, the “tacking on the crow” during a frocking ceremony at the NBG Theater, June 7.

The group of Sailors represented NBG’s Master-at-Arms, Religious Personnel, and Aviation Electricians Mate rates, many of whom were experiencing the tradition for the first time.

“Today is a very special ceremony as we like to do, we remember the customs and heritage of the Navy before us,” said Capt. Jeffrey Grimes, NBG commanding officer. “We did it by a ceremony called ‘tacking on the crow’, which had a bad name for a while but has been brought back to show the importance as each stitch has a very specific meaning to the duties and responsibilities of our petty officers.”

The “tacking on the crow” started in the British navy and the era of old sailing ships. At the time, new uniforms and insignias weren’t always easy to acquire. Other Sailors would contribute pieces from their uniforms as a way to welcome new petty officers to the rank.

The “tacking” is temporary with the “crow” or chevron, held by seven stitches until a more permanent and professional sewing job can be completed. Each stitch represents words of wisdom from Navy leadership.

Over time, the Navy banned the tradition as it darkly evolved into hazing, contradictory to its original tradition and origins. In recent years the Navy has slowly brought back the tradition.

The 16 Sailors stood proudly in their dress whites as mentors carefully stitched on the new chevron. 

Master-At-Arms 3rd Class Courtney Mantanona said the Navy taught her independence and has given her the opportunity to provide a better future for her 4-year-old daughter.

“I went into the Reserves as an Engineman and I decided I wanted to go active duty then I cross rated to a Master-At-Arms,” Mantanona said. “I just always wanted a change.”

The Sailors’ advancement now authorizes them to assume the title, wear the insignia, incur the obligation and exercise the authority of the next pay grade based on the biannual advancement exam results.

“I’m very excited, I was very surprised,” said Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Caitlyn Fetter. “Advancement for my rate is very difficult but I studied a lot, I did a lot to get my qualifications, to get the best evaluation and I’m really happy that I picked up. I love my rate and I love the people that I work with.”

Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Eryk Weber joined the Navy as part of his family legacy.

“I had a lot of guidance from my FTO (Field Training Officer) from my previous section, he guided me and told me what I needed to do and what to focus on and the steps to advancement and I followed through and when the advancement results came out, I wasn’t too surprised,” Weber said. “I decided I’d follow my grandfather’s steps. He was in the Navy. He retired as a Chief so I just followed his footsteps.”

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