Page 25 - San Diego Woman Amy Haber Issue

UNDER THE C OL ORS

equipped with tomahawk missiles, they take pride in serving their toriously promoted to his cur- program gives greater authority
torpedoes, guns and a phalanx country in the United States Navy. rent rank by the commodore of to commands to better shape
close-in weapons system. “For me the Navy has been a re- Maritime Prepositioning Ships their workforce and the Navy by
More than 300 sailors serve source,” added Rocca. “Something Squadron 3 in Guam. developing and rewarding our
aboard USS Sampson. Their jobs that's been able to help me do the “I am so excited and defi- most talented Sailors,” accord-
are highly specialized, requiring things that I want to do. It gave me nitely surprised,” the assistant ing to a Navy website.
both dedication and skill. The jobs a chance when no one else did. supply officer said. For his part, Duong says he
range from maintaining engines So now I pay that original chance It was no surprise to his realizes the additional chev-
to handling weaponry along with back.” boss. Capt. John Bub, commo- ron, higher rank and bigger
a multitude of other assignments dore of MPSRON 3, says Duong’s paycheck mean more respon-
that keep the ship mission-ready at infectious can-do, will-do, did-it sibilities, and he says he looks
all times. attitude contributed to Duong’s forward to the challenges and
Serving in the Navy means selection for promotion. opportunities.
Rocca is part of a team that is tak- “He has been performing as While he believes a good
ing on new importance in Amer- a first class petty officer since work ethic, respect for others,
ica’s focus on rebuilding military I reported to MPSRON 3,” Bub hard work and efficiency are the
readiness, strengthening alliances said. keys to his success, Duong also
and reforming business practices “Petty Officer Duong always claims he still has more to learn.
in support of the National Defense raises his hand for the more “I decided to join because I
Strategy. challenging jobs and has volun- wanted to see the world; I want-
“We stand the world’s watch,” teered for a number of collateral ed to have more experience in
said Rocca. “It's pretty simple.” duties – in addition to superbly leadership and to learn new
Rocca and other sailors have executing his primary responsi- things,” the logistics specialist
many opportunities to achieve ac- bilities – each and every day.” said earlier this year when he
complishments during their mili- The Navy’s Meritorious Ad- was selected as Military Sealift
tary service. vancement Program empowers Command Far East’s Junior Sail-
“I got thrown into the mainte- leaders like Bub to advance their or of the Year.
nance program for the ship when I personnel. The MAP is responsi- At the time of his promotion,
got here,” said Rocca. “I had no idea San Diego Native ble for 20 percent of all enlisted Duong echoed the sentiment,
what I was doing, but I was able to advancements each year. adding that he’s still learning
take a dead program and revived Meritoriously “The program is intended to every day, especially from the
it. It's been recognized by the cap- give [commanding officers] the MPSRON 3 leadership.
tain.” Promoted opportunity to recognize their “I could not come this far
As Rocca and other sailors con- best Sailors by advancing them without their mentorship and
tinue to train and perform the mis- GUAM -- Petty Officer First when they are ready for the their trust in me and without
sions to support national defense, Class Khoa Duong was meri- next level of responsibility. The the support of my wife.”

CHIEF ENGINEMAN JENNIFER VARMALL,
ASSIGNED TO COMMANDER, FLEET
ACTIVITIES SASEBO PORT OPERATIONS,
RECEIVES HER ANCHORS AND
COMBINATION COVER AS SHE IS PROMOTED
TO CHIEF PETTY OFFICER DURING A
PINNING CEREMONY AT COMMANDER,
FLEET ACTIVITIES SASEBO.

SASEBO, Japan (Nov. 19, 2021) Chief Engineman Jennifer Varmall,
assigned to Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo Port Operations,
receives her anchors and combination cover as she is promoted to
chief petty officer during a pinning ceremony at Commander, Fleet
Activities Sasebo, Nov. 19, 2021. The rank of Chief Petty Officer was
created April 1, 1893, and the Chief Petty Officer Pinning Ceremony
is a unique tradition to the U.S. Navy that signifies promotion to a
crucial position of leadership and responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by
Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Gregory Pickett)

25