More than 70 Sailors assigned to Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) advanced to the next paygrade through the Meritorious Advancement Program (MAP) during a ceremony held in the base gym, March 27.

Selected Sailors were nominated by their respective departments and promoted based on their work performance on the ship.

Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Alexa Ramsay, from the CVN 70 Medical Department, stated she was shocked to hear she was one of three corpsmen selected for advancement in her department.

“I heard rumors that there were limited amounts of packages for the whole ship,” said Ramsay. “I was happy to find out my chain-of-command recognized me for the work that I’ve been doing in medical. I really do owe this to them.”

This program is an opportunity for command triads to recognize top-performing E-3 to E-5 Sailors with immediate advancement. It’s an initiative that encourages junior Sailors to strive for sustained superior performance.

Ens. Bobby Simpson, CVN 70 personnel officer, stated that MAP has been a good step going forward for Navy advancement.

“This will alleviate the waiting process for some after taking the exam,” said Simpson. “Once those Sailors promoted through MAP are removed from the quota, others still in the examination cycle may have a chance to pick up rank.”

Ramsay noted different rates have different requirements for advancement. Using personal time after work to better job-related skills or get involved in organizations and committees will help an individual stand out amongst peers.

“I know most want to go straight home after work,” said Ramsay. “It’s good to get out and be recognized for something different. Find a hobby and work towards higher qualifications. I want everyone to strive for an experience like this.”

Simpson also explained that no Sailor makes rank on their own and that it’s important to remember who helped along the way.

“There’s a team of people that put in a lot of work,” he said. “Never forget where you came from. There could be people under you with bigger and better ideas.”

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