USS PORT ROYAL (CG 73), Northern Arabian Gulf " While operating in Iraqi territorial waters, forty-four Sailors were promoted during a frocking ceremony held aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Port Royal (CG 73) June 3.
As a part of Commander, Task Group (CTG) 158.1, Port Royal is operating in the Northern Arabian Gulf conducting Maritime Security Operations (MSO). MSO help set the conditions for security and stability in the North Arabian Gulf and protect Iraq's sea-based infrastructure to help provide the Iraqi people the opportunity for self-determination.
The Navy distributed the results of the March advancement exam June 1.
"We had a huge number of people selected," said Capt. David Matawitz, Port Royal's commanding officer. "Thirty-two percent of the crew were selected. The Navy average is 28. That goes to show their dedication."
While patrolling just a few miles away from Iraq's oil terminals, Matawitz presented each Sailor with a letter allowing them to "assume the title and wear the uniform" of their next rank.
"Your appointment carries with it the obligation that you exercise increased authority and willing accept greater responsibilities," the message read. "Occupying now a position of greater authority, you must strive with a renewed dedication toward the valued ideal of service with honor."
Chief Cryptologic Technician - Collection (NAC) Erik Mezzacapo has been in the Navy for 20 years and knows what it's like to be frocked, the Navy term for the assumption of duties of the next rank with a pay raise in a few months.
"It's a great process," he said. "It's a little overwhelming for some of the junior guys. But then they start realizing, once they're given the authority and once they're given a little bit more power, that this means something."
One of Mezzacapo's Sailors, Cryptologic Technician - Collection 2nd Class (SW) Joshua Jordan, said he was excited about being selected for petty officer second class with only two years in the Navy.
"It feels good," said Jordan. "It's a lot of extra responsibility, but I feel like I'm ready for it. It feels like it's a definite step in the right direction."
"To be given the responsibility for leadership and to be given that trust means a lot," said Mezzacapo. "They realize that their chiefs and their chain of command will rely on them more to get the job done."
He said all three of his Sailors promoted deserved the increase in rank, "without question," and he's proud of them.
"They studied hard. They saw the prize. They went out and got it," said Mezzacapo. "They're exceptional Sailors and they earned it."
Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Brad Anderson, who has also been in the Navy for two years, said it felt great to be promoted at the ceremony, especially within view of Iraq's oil terminals.
"It makes me feel like there's purpose to what we're doing out here," said Anderson.
Mezzacapo agreed, saying all of Port Royal's Sailors are proud of their mission out here. He said this 'terrific day" was one way to reward the crew's hard work in maritime security operations.
"It's a great day for the ship, not just my Sailors," he said. "It's a great day for the Port Royal."