Frocked!!

It happended - today at 1615 I was "frocked" to Senior Chief. In the USN once we have received confirmation from USN HR that promotion has been approved, the Commanding Officer is allowed to "frock" those personnel. Frocking means to "wear" the rank, but you're not getting paid for it. Basically, you are referred to as the frocked paygrade, you get the "prestige" and "benefits" that come with that paygrade, but you just don't get paid for it. I will probably be promoted on 16 Oct and start receiving pay that date. I will know in a month or so when I should see the actual advancement date.

So in the USN, frocking is a very big deal. Maria and my Command Master Chief did the honors of taking off my "Chief" anchors and pinning on my "Senior Chief" anchors. Most of the Chief's Mess was there along with my CO, Dept. Head, and almost all of my Yeoman. It was a great ceremony.

Maria and I are still pondering our decision to stay Navy or retire next year. We sure are leaning toward staying. While my retirement pay would be substainally larger if I stayed for another five years, I would have to go back to sea duty and probably be required to do a tour in Afghanistan or Iraq. So as I've said before....more to follow.

Stay safe, and chat later -

Steve