Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Mecaela Bellolampkin, of the Naval Air Station Patuxent (Pax) River Ground Electronics Division, was advanced to Logistics Specialist 1st Class in a promotion ceremony at NAS Patuxent River July 8.

What made the promotion even more significant was Bellolampkin was the only Sailor in the command selected for advancement under the Navy's Meritorious Advancement Program (MAP).

MAP was instituted by the Navy in July 2015, replacing the Navy's Command Advancement Program. According to the Navy Personnel Command website, MAP authorizes commanding officers to advance eligible personnel in pay grades E-3 through E-5 to the next higher pay grade. The program is intended to give commands the opportunity to recognize their best Sailors -- advancing them when they are ready for the next level of responsibility -- thereby giving commands greater ability to better shape their workforce and the Navy by developing and rewarding the best talent. The program was expanded in fiscal year 2016 to include eligible shore commands, pre-commissioning units and Professional Apprenticeship Career Tract Sailors.

"The Meritorious Advancement Program is a way for commands to recognize sustained superior performance of its personnel through immediate advancement," said NAS Patuxent River Command Master Chief Jeffrey Owejan. "And since this was the first year shore commands like Pax River were eligible, we wanted [to] take full advantage of it. We had a great group of nominees, and after careful consideration we were pleased to announce LS1 Bellolampkin as our selection."

Bellolampkin was selected out of a pool of five candidates at Pax River. She credits her work ethic and department performance as factors in her selection for promotion. She was also Pax River's Junior Sailor of the Year in 2015.

"I worked really hard last year," said Bellolampkin. "I picked up a lot of collateral duties, and was made leading petty officer (LPO) -- which was big for a [petty officer] 2nd class since the position is usually held by a petty officer 1st class. But after that, training improved for my people, and as a result we had more advancements among the crew."

Bellolampkin said despite her hard work she was still surprised when she learned she was selected for the command's sole MAP promotion.

"It feels really great," said Bellolampkin. "Of course, I wasn't expecting it; for me, I was just doing my job, but it's nice that others recognized what I was doing for my people. Because at the end of the day, that's what I want to do -- help people."

Bellolampkin added she is grateful for the opportunity provided to her through the MAP promotion to further expand her career and make a greater impact on the Navy as a whole. Bellolampkin said she plans on completing her degree in logistics and transportation management, and hopes to make chief petty officer before submitting a limited duty officer package.

"I just want to help people get to where I am," said Bellolampkin.

For more information on the Navy's Meritorious Advancement Program, visit http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/career/talentmanagement/Pages/MAP.aspx.

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For more news from Naval Air Station Patuxent River, visit www.navy.mil/.