One day prior to advancement exams, Interior Communications 2nd Class Kirsten Gilbert was still studying for the advancement exam and the next thing she knows she’s exempt from the exam.

Lt. Cmdr. Michael Bubulka, Training Support Center Hampton Roads (TSCHR) Executive Officer (XO), Command Master Chief Victor Almodovar, and Senior Chief Navy Career Counselor Romeo Calicdan, wanted to personally congratulate Gilbert on her advancement so they paid a surprise visit to her office.   

“I wasn’t really expecting this at all,” said Gilbert. “When XO told me I could stop studying for the exam, it didn’t even register, but then he told me I was promoted effective March 1st.”

Gilbert was automatically promoted through the Navy’s Meritorious Advancement Program (MAP).  In support of Sailor 2025, the MAP is intended to empower commanding officers to identify and advance the most talented, experienced and proficient Sailors within their command based on first-hand demonstrated performance and ability. 

When not working for TSCHR Facilities, Gilbert is just one-year shy from finishing her Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management, Excelsior College.

Gilbert added, “She’d like to thank TSCHR leadership for this opportunity as well as Leading Chief Petty Officers Chief Boatswains Mate Bruno DoAmaral and Chief Aviation Boatswains Mate Jesse Lytle.”

Gilbert will be officially recognized by Capt. Matthew Rick, TSCHR Commanding Officer when he returns to Hampton Roads.  

Gilbert added, “For me to be recognized in such a significant way is a tremendous honor.  I will work even harder to support my fellow 1st Class Petty Officer Brothers & Sisters, volunteer, and strive to be best the leader I can be.”

One day prior to advancement exams, Interior Communications 2nd Class Kirsten Gilbert was still studying for the advancement exam and the next thing she knows she’s exempt from the exam.

Lt. Cmdr. Michael Bubulka, Training Support Center Hampton Roads (TSCHR) Executive Officer (XO), Command Master Chief Victor Almodovar, and Senior Chief Navy Career Counselor Romeo Calicdan, wanted to personally congratulate Gilbert on her advancement so they paid a surprise visit to her office.   

“I wasn’t really expecting this at all,” said Gilbert. “When XO told me I could stop studying for the exam, it didn’t even register, but then he told me I was promoted effective March 1st.”

Gilbert was automatically promoted through the Navy’s Meritorious Advancement Program (MAP).  In support of Sailor 2025, the MAP is intended to empower commanding officers to identify and advance the most talented, experienced and proficient Sailors within their command based on first-hand demonstrated performance and ability. 

When not working for TSCHR Facilities, Gilbert is just one-year shy from finishing her Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management, Excelsior College.

Gilbert added, “She’d like to thank TSCHR leadership for this opportunity as well as Leading Chief Petty Officers Chief Boatswains Mate Bruno DoAmaral and Chief Aviation Boatswains Mate Jesse Lytle.”

Gilbert will be officially recognized by Capt. Matthew Rick, TSCHR Commanding Officer when he returns to Hampton Roads.  

Gilbert added, “For me to be recognized in such a significant way is a tremendous honor.  I will work even harder to support my fellow 1st Class Petty Officer Brothers & Sisters, volunteer, and strive to be best the leader I can be.”

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