Thirty-seven Sailors assigned to various commands onboard Naval Station Rota advanced to the next pay grade and now assume the title and wear their new rank insignia, which they received during a frocking ceremony, June 2.

The Navy tradition to frock a Sailor is an opportunity for them to wear the uniform and take on the responsibilities of their new rank before they are formally advanced.

Capt. Michael MacNicholl, Naval Station Rota commanding officer, expressed joy whilst saying a few words to the audience and the Sailors after they were frocked and presented with a certificate of advancement.

"It's fantastic to see you earn those chevrons and move on," said MacNicholl. "This demonstrates what Team Rota is all about. I think this is a great thing anytime we get a chance to promote and recognize your efforts because at the end of the day your chiefs led you this far, but it's up to you to earn that rank."

One senior chief was also frocked among the 10 first class petty officers, 11 second class petty officers and eight third class petty officers who advanced.

"I feel like I can finally do the job I want to do and the work I want to do," said Air Traffic Controller 1st Class Kenny Yates, air operations leading petty officer. "Making rank is one of those things that you never really know what's going to be expected of you until they expect it, and you just kind of have to take it on they fly and go with it. So just use your resources and keep going."

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 immediately after the frocking ceremony.

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For more news from Naval Station Rota, Spain, visit http://www.navy.mil/.