Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Tatyana Freeman | 181210-N-XO654-0411 HAMPTON, Va. (Dec. 10, 2018) Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class...... read more read more
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For many Sailors, earning a new rank is the culmination of many factors such as scoring well on the exam, earning high evaluation marks, and gaining support from the chain of command. For some, it is the first rung on the ladder of leadership; for others it signifies embracing new responsibilities.
On Dec. 10, 2018, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) advanced 187 Sailors to the ranks of first, second, and third class petty officer.
“Ceremonies like this recharge my Navy batteries and make me proud to be the command master chief for this command,” said Command Master Chief Maurice Coffey. “The Sailors that advanced balanced work life during the uniqueness of [refueling complex overhaul], family life, and studying to achievement this milestone. Your appointment carries with it the obligation that you exercise increased authority and willingly accept greater responsibility.”
By advancing to the next paygrade, Sailors will take on new responsibilities and opportunities to better themselves.
“I think that with rank comes new responsibility and experience that I will have to adjust to,” said Yeoman 3rd Class David Hokamp. “As a third class I will have to prove myself more than before, and look for new opportunities to serve the Navy and my fellow Sailors.”
While Hokamp takes on the mantle of a new third class and the expectations that come with it, other petty officers are accomplishing their goals and expanding the responsibility they already had.
“It means a lot to make first class,” said Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Ryan Hernandez. “Coming to your first sea duty and setting a goal like getting first class can seem like it is out of reach, and it’s an honor to put it on because I never thought I would. When the results came out it was really touching to me because I was with my daughter, and gave her a kiss, then I thanked everyone who got me to this point.”
While putting on first class was a goal for Hernandez, he isn’t stopping there.
“Now I am reaching for my ultimate goal of becoming a limited duty officer, and to do that I am trying to get every qualification I can as a first class,” said Hernandez. “I want to show my command and the Sailors I am responsible for what I can do as a first class.”
No matter if a Sailor has just become a third class or a first class, they have stepped into a new role and should continue to strive to improve.
“Occupying now a position of greater authority, you must strive with a renewed dedication toward the valued ideal of service with honor," said Coffey. “No other branch of service advances personnel the way the Navy does. For those that were promoted this cycle – congratulations, and for the rest of the crew – continue to work hard as well as study hard, and your time will come.”
| Date Taken: | 12.17.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 12.18.2018 10:38 |
| Story ID: | 303847 |
| Location: | NEWPORT NEWS, VA, US |
| Web Views: | 68 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Moving Forward, Moving up GW’s Newest Petty Officers, by PO2 Zackery Thomas, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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