USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike) advanced 225 Sailors to the next pay grade during a frocking ceremony in the ship's hangar bay Dec. 12.

Each Sailor was presented a certificate and personally congratulated by Capt. Paul Spedero Jr., Ike's commanding officer; Capt. Robert Aguilar, Ike's executive officer; and Ike Command Master Chief Shay Langejans.

"These ceremonies always make me feel proud," Langejans said. "I've seen some of these Sailors go from E3 to E5. I feel like I'm watching them grow up. I always feel lucky when I get to frock Sailors. I love seeing my Sailors grow professionally and personally. I have the best job in the world."

Aguilar said that as a leader, he always tries to set the stage for Sailors to advance to the next pay grade.

"It's a great feeling to see all of these Sailors working hard and succeeding," Aguilar said.

The term "to frock" stems from a tradition among monks, meaning to invest with priestly office or privilege. Dating back to the early 1800s, frocking was used as a temporary means to fill an empty leadership position. Now it authorizes Sailors to assume the title, wear the insignia, incur the obligation and exercise the authority of the next higher pay grade based on the biannual advancement exam results.

The newly-frocked petty officers, who took the exam in September, waited more than two months to find out if they would be advanced to the next higher pay grade.

"It's a little nerve-racking waiting for the results," said Aviation Administrationman 3rd Class Jasmine Ravenell. "You forget about it while being underway because we get so busy, but I was so happy when the XO announced the results and I heard my name."

All newly promoted petty officer selectees attended mandatory leadership courses that helped them learn and prepare to take on their new responsibilities.

"As a commanding officer, I have two favorite days of the year," said Spedero. "It's the two times a year that I get to frock Sailors."

Ike advanced 23 Sailors to petty officer first class, 84 Sailors to petty officer second class and 118 Sailors to petty officer third class.

Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, currently embarked on Ike, had a total of 143 Sailors also advance to the next pay grade. They were frocked in separate ceremonies.

For more news from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), visit www.navy.mil/.