During multiple frocking ceremonies June 4 and 5, the commanding officer of Naval Medical Center Portsmouth encouraged each Sailor to bring someone with them on their journey of success.

Capt. Darin K. Via, commanding officer, frocked 85 Sailors in the four ceremonies: the first three ceremonies at area branch health clinics and the fourth at NMCP. In all, three Sailors were frocked to first class, 27 to second class and 55 to third class petty officers.

"Go out, find a protege and teach them what you know, help them grow," Via said. "Bring them along for the ride, so that next cycle, they are standing up here."
Via and Command Master Chief (FMF/SW/AW/DV) Eric Anderson traveled to the branch health clinics at Naval Station Norfolk, Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story and Dam Neck Annex June 4, where they frocked 28 Sailors. Via pinned on each Sailor's right collar insignia while family and friends placed their Sailor's left collar device.

"This is a very well-deserved milestone for all of you," Anderson said. "Use this as a stepping stone; don't stop, don't rest, keep working forward."

The next day, NMCP's auditorium was packed with friends and family as 55 Sailors were frocked during the medical center's ceremony. Sailors marched in formation and were called one by one to the stage. Greeted by Via, Capt. Bradford Smith, executive officer, and Master Chief Hospital Corpsman (EXW/FMF/SW) Aaron VanDall, acting command master chief, each Sailor was presented with their frocking letter and a handshake - congratulating them on their selection.

For newly frocked Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (FMF) Shane Dixon, paying it forward was already part of his plan.

"I had a good amount of mentors, at home and in the Navy, who pushed me and continuously built me up," Dixon said. "Putting on second class allows me to actually lead Sailors now; I'm in a position to bring them up with me."

In his remarks, Via told the auditorium's standing-room-only crowd that one of the top three things he enjoys about being commanding officer is frocking Sailors.

"It gets me out to see the great Sailors we have," Via said. "We have the best Sailors in the world. Thank you for what you do every day."

The frocking ceremony, where Sailors assume the title, responsibilities and the right to wear the uniform of their next rank, is a Navy tradition. Sailors are then advanced in pay over the course of three cycles throughout the year.

For more news from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, visit www.navy.mil/local/NMCP/.