One hundred and seventeen Sailors assigned to Navy Expeditionary Combat Command/NECC Pacific commands have advanced to the next pay grade through the Meritorious Advancement Program (MAP), Sept. 30.

In 2016, NECC/NECC Pacific saw an increase of seven additional Sailors advanced through MAP, compared to the previous year in which 110 Sailors were promoted to the next pay grade.

NECC's Command Master Chief Corey Heinrich emphasized the investment in our Sailors' futures through these advancement opportunities.

"It's always great day when you get the opportunity to recognize the extraordinary efforts of our Sailors," added Heinrich. "This program shows that their efforts are not going unnoticed and are very much appreciated by their chain of command and the Navy."

MAP is part of the Navy's ongoing talent management initiatives used to empower the command triad to advance their top-performing Sailors. MAP provides commands the opportunity to recognize their best Sailors, advancing them when they are ready for the next level of responsibility.

Petty Officer 1st Class Nathanial Creary, assigned to NECC, was promoted through MAP and appreciated the opportunity to excel in the U.S. Navy.

"I have always wanted to be a [petty officer] first class," said Creary. "This rank has always been a symbol of strength, leadership, and potential. I began that day as a second class and was promoted to this symbol by those that I look up to."

Master Chief Petty Officer Dianalyn Galiza, also assigned to NECC, has assisted the type commander (TYCOM) in pursuing every opportunity for Sailors to advance to the next pay grade.

"When we presented opportunities to advance our Sailors to the next pay grade, every command within NECC really jumped in with both feet to promote their very best," said Galiza. "This is about keeping our Sailors inspired and providing opportunities to excel."

NECC is an enduring warfighting force providing sea-to-shore and inland operating environment capabilities across the full range of military operations that is focused on delivering combat-effective expeditionary forces ready for worldwide operations now and into the future.

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