Recruit Training Command’s (RTC) Petty Officer Association (POA) celebrated the history of the petty officer at an event hosted by the POA in the Recruit Memorial Chapel at RTC, June 28. 

More than 300 people, including Capt. John Dye, RTC commanding officer, attended the event that proceeded the frocking of Boatswain’s Mate Daniel Muniz, Fire Controlman Charles Spears and Engineman Brandon Whitaker to the rank of petty officer first class. A frocking ceremony is where a sailor is given the responsibility of their new rank before they are paid for it.

Petty officers have always been important members of the Navy. Initially, they wore neither uniforms nor rank insignia, they usually held appointments only while serving on the ship whose captain selected them.