USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) Sailors were frocked during a ceremony held in the ship's hangar bay while underway, Nov. 30.

Capt. Greg Huffman, John C. Stennis' commanding officer, congratulated each of the 247 Sailors with a handshake while presenting them with their frocking letter in front of the gathered crew.

"It's awesome seeing so many people who got frocked," said newly frocked Petty Officer 2nd Class Shelbie Bergeron, from Easthampton, Massachusetts.

Frocking is a naval tradition authorizing Sailors selected for advancement in the most recent Navy-wide advancement exam to wear the uniform and assume the responsibilities of the next higher rank prior to their official promotion date.

"Putting on the crows, I know it's going to be a lot more responsibility," said newly frocked Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael Zubia, from Phoenix. "It's a different mindset I've got to get into and I think I'm ready for it."

Bergeron emphasized the importance of studying and perseverance as a key to her success this advancement cycle.

"At least a couple weeks before the exam I had been studying 5-6 hours a day," said Bergeron. "Just study, keep working hard and don't get discouraged. This was my fifth time taking the exam and I finally made it."

After the ceremony, the newly frocked petty officers returned to their departments and divisions, ready to assume new responsibilities befitting the higher rank.

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