USS Theodore Roosevelt Advances 54 Sailors During RIMPAC 2026

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Conner Blake | U.S. Navy Counselor 1st Class Ashley Thies, right, places a petty officer second class rank tab on Yoeman 2nd Class Melissa Flores during a frocking ceremony in the hangar bay of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) while underway for Exercise Rim of the Pacific, July, 19, 2026. Thirty nations, 30 ships, five submarines, 15 national land forces, more than 190 aircraft and more than 30,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC in and around the Hawaiian Islands, June 24 to July 31. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2026 is the 30th exercise in the series that began in 1971. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Conner D. Blake)  

UNITED STATES

07.20.2026

Courtesy Story

Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet           

Capt. Will Mathis, commanding officer, USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), congratulated 54 Sailors as they advanced to the next paygrade during a frocking ceremony held in the ship’s hangar bay, July 19, 2026.

Among those promoted from various departments across the ship were 42 Sailors from E-4 to E-5 and 12 Sailors from E-5 to E-6.

“It’s something I didn’t see coming. It’s something that hasn’t really set in quite yet,” said newly-promoted Hull Maintenance Technician 2nd Class Lauryl Earley. “It’s a learning opportunity for me, to help my Sailors out and be the kind of leader that they can rely on.”

The ceremony began with words from Mathis as he addressed the crowd of Sailors and formally announced their advancements.

“This frocking is not just about changing rank. It’s about trust,” said Mathis. “It’s about responsibility, and it’s about the Navy saying ‘We believe you are ready for more.’

In addition to the commanding officer, Theodore Roosevelt’s Command Master Chief Terrance Wright, executive officer Capt. Michael Silver and departmental leaders were in attendance to congratulate their new first and second class petty officers.

Thirty nations, 30 surface ships, five submarines, 15 national land forces, more than 190 aircraft and more than 30,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC in and around the Hawaiian Islands, June 24 to July 31. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2026 is the 30th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

• Date Taken: 07.20.2026
• Date Posted: 07.23.2026 20:13
• Story ID: 570466
• Location: US