USS William P Lawrence
7/13/2012 
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At Sea -The Soon to be frocked Sailors wait for the ceremony to begin. (Photo by USS William P. Lawrence)
Frocking at Sea on USS William P. Lawrence 
By public affairs officer ENS Terrell 
At Sea - USS WILLIAM P. LAWRENCE recently conducted a frocking ceremony at sea while en route to the Portland Rose Festival in Oregon.  Frocking is a time honored Navy tradition in which Sailors pin on their new rank insignia signifying they have advanced to a new level of authority and responsibility. 
Forty Sailors in WILLIAM P. LAWRENCE were frocked on the flight deck with the backdrop of an overcast, haze gray afternoon approximately 50 miles off the Oregon Coast.  All hands not on watch were in attendance to witness the advancement of 1/6 of the junior enlisted crew assigned in WILLIAM P LAWRENCE. 
The Executive Officer, Commander Langhofer, read to each Sailor the authority to wear and assume the duties of the next rank while the Commanding Officer, Commander Vavasseur, enjoyed the privilege of promoting each individual Sailor. 
The frockees’ chosen leaders, peers and mentors pinned new rank insignia on their collars, making the event even more special for all participants.
FC2 Mcdowell spoke of what the frocking ceremony meant to him, “My advancement took a long time coming and so when I advanced it at first felt more of an 'oh finally' kind of feeling.  After learning the history behind frocking at sea, I appreciate it more when having the responsibility placed on me to perform at the next pay grade.”  The impressive percentage of Sailors who advanced onboard WILLIAM P. LAWRENCE is a testament to the pride and professionalism of her dedicated crew.
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