Commanding Officer Capt. Putnam H. Browne announced 122 Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) received advancement through the Meritorious Advancement Program (MAP), July 25.

MAP is a Navy program designed to recognize Sailors with a history of superior performance. A selection board is held to choose between qualified candidates, and the selected Sailors are promoted immediately to the next paygrade once the final decision is made.

“Our Sailors have performed exceedingly above standards,” said Ship’s Serviceman 2nd Class Christopher Moore. “With such a small division, we are undermanned, and our Sailors sometimes have to work much harder to accomplish the simple things. Even with the extra work, they get it done without complaint and continue to get their qualifications. I really have an amazing team, and I’m grateful to help them every step of the way.” 

Lincoln promoted 78 Sailors to petty officer 3rd class, 35 Sailors to petty officer 2nd class and nine Sailors to petty officer 1st class. This is a drastic increase from the 40 Sailors promoted last cycle.

“It’s important for Sailors to be knowledgeable to get promoted,” said Master Chief Navy Counselor Benjamin Salvania. “They don’t just have to know how to do their job, but they have to know how to be a Sailor too. They must learn to lead, but before that they must learn to follow.”

The MAP selection process began with divisions submitting their candidates to a selection board that consisted of Department Leading Chief Petty Officers (DLCPO) from each department. The DLCPOs looked at a list of each Sailor’s qualifications, accomplishments and profile sheets to decide which Sailors stood out above the others. A vote was held to make the final decisions, and the list of Sailors was submitted to the commanding officer.

There is no limit to how many candidates each division can submit. The main consideration is the Sailors’ merit and potential.

“These Sailors worked hard to earn their promotions,” said Moore. “They show up on time, in the correct uniform and do what they’re supposed to do. But beyond that, they take pride in their job, and now they can see that it’s paid off.”

Sailors promoted through MAP are entitled to pay and benefits immediately at the time of promotion. Abraham Lincoln Sailors will receive "back-pay" from July 3 for their new rank.

“I started as a seaman recruit, so it means a lot to finally make it to this point,” said Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Andrew Wiggs. “Starting from the bottom gives me a different perspective, so now when I deal with Sailors of any rank, I can understand where they’re coming from and it helps with communication.”

In order to stand out for MAP, Sailors must work to complete their in-rate qualifications, as well as deck watch qualifications and their primary and secondary warfare qualifications. Exam scores and evaluations are also considered, as well as everything from uniform appearance to in-rate knowledge.

“You don’t know when you get selected for MAP,” said Wiggs. “I was really surprised to hear my name get called. It’s a confirmation of all the hard work I’ve put in, and it proves that everything I’ve done was worth it. It makes me want to keep working. Like the Captain says, ‘Keep the Press On.’”

Get more information about the Navy from US Navy facebook or twitter.

For more news from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), visit www.navy.mil/.