Twenty Sailors assigned to various commands aboard Naval Station Rota advanced to the next pay grade and are able to assume the title and wear their new rank insignia, which were pinned onto their collars by family and friends Dec. 1, 2017.

The Navy tradition to frock a Sailor is an opportunity for them to wear the petty officer crow insignia and take on the responsibilities that come with their promotion before they are formally advanced.

Capt. Michael MacNicholl, Naval Station Rota commanding officer, acknowledged each Sailor with a handshake and certificate of advancement and shared a few words to family, friends and colleagues.

"This is one of the better days of the Navy anytime you get a chance to recognize the achievements of young Sailors like these and the Future leaders" said MacNicholl. "They're all going to be future chief petty officers and this is the first step for some of them putting on that third class rank as well as the others who have proven that they are good leaders."

Two first class petty officers, 12 second class petty officers and six third class petty officers were frocked today.

"It feels good," said Religious Programs Specialist 3rd Class Daniela Villatoro, assigned to NAVSTA Rota chapel. "It feels like I'm advancing and doing things with my life. I'm look forward to improving as a person and as a leader so that others could follow behind my steps."

Frocked Sailors are authorized to wear their advanced rank on their collars but will not receive the respective pay until their official date of advancement at one of three pay increments throughout the fiscal year.

Their responsibilities and expectations, however, may be assigned to them as immediate as after the frocking ceremony.

Naval Station Rota, which is part of Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia (EURAFSWA), provides operational platforms ashore that enable U.S., allied and partner nation forces to be where they are needed, when they are needed, to ensure security and stability in Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia.

Just as ships perform lines of operation that provide a capability, Navy Region EURAFSWA bases perform the same eight lines of operation to provide capability to the fleet, joint and allied forces. These eight lines of operation are air operations; port operations; safety; security; housing; Morale, Welfare and Recreation; fleet and family services; and what is called the core: the fuels, water and power that keep the bases running. Through these lines of operation, the installations are force multipliers that maximize combat capability of operational units.

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