Story by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Devon Dow
WESTERN PACIFIC OCEAN – Guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) and the “Warlords” of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 51 detachment six, frocked 46 new petty officers on the mess decks D
ec 7.
“Today the Mustin is exponentially stronger and tougher with all of our new promotions; I always stand in awe watching Sailors promote to the different ranks of petty officer,” said Mustin Commanding Officer Cmdr. Joseph Ring. “To promote in your rate you have to be smart, sharp, committed and a professional in your trade. Your achievements are testaments to the dedication of all Mustin Sailors and have earned us the reputation we have today.”
The Navy’s frocking practice can be traced back to the early 19th century when the wearing of a higher rank before receiving the pay for such rank was necessary at times, especially during war, to swell the ranks.
Following countless congratulations, the newly frocked petty officers received a free pair of their new rank insignia for a set of their Navy working uniform from the Mustin 1st Class Petty Officer Association.
Rounding out the day, HSL 51 detachment six awarded five of its Sailors with their enlisted air warfare qualification pin while Mustin awarded four its Sailors with their enlisted surface warfare qualification pin.
“I am very happy to be promoted today amongst my Shipmates,” said Damage Controlman 3rd Class Jose Dominguez. “I owe a lot of thanks to everyone in my department who provided me with training and ensuring, if anything else, that I know my rate. Yes, there have been a lot of late nights during this patrol, but the on the job training and studying has worked out for me and many of my Shipmates.”
For one of HSL 51’s newly advanced petty officers, the mindset now is to take what he has learned and lead where necessary in the squadron.
“It feels good to put on second class and my air warfare pin today, but I also know that means a lot more responsibility for me,” said Aviation Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class (AW) Mitchell Brazington. “I am looking forward to challenges and responsibilities ahead of me. I work with a good crew and the leadership we have are great examples to learn from.”
Prior to the day’s advancement ceremony, the Sailors took a required three-day indoctrination workshop where they learned what it takes to be a leader in their new role as a petty officer.
“The training course is beneficial to any Sailor who is moving up in the ranks of petty officer in the Fleet,” said Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class (SW) Kenya Hunter. “The training we were given will definitely be put to good use by the crew. Today has been a really great day for Mustin and the air detachment.”
Mustin is commanded by Cmdr. Joseph Ring and is currently conducting a routine Western Pacific patrol in support of regional security and stability of the vital Asia-Pacific region.
Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet 