Bataan Achieves Record Advancement Numbers

Story Number: NNS120618-20Release Date: 6/18/2012 2:59:00 PM
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By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Mark Hays, USS Bataan Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- One-hundred fifty five Sailors aboard multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) advanced in rank June 11.

This was the second cycle in a row Bataan achieved higher than the Navy's average in advancements.

The number of Sailors who advanced in rate more than doubled from three cycles ago.

According to Master Chief Navy Career Counselor (SW/AW) Eugene Grenier, Bataan's command career counselor, the Enlisted Review Board (ERB) and Perform To Serve (PTS) play a part in the recent increase in promotions.

"ERB and PTS really opened up the numbers in advancement," said Grenier, explaining that fewer Sailors retained meant more opportunities for well-qualified Sailors to continue their careers. ERB and PTS opened up under-manned rates and cut down the over-manned jobs.

ERB is designed to eliminate over-manning in ratings, which will balance the Navy's force. PTS uses performance criteria within individual ratings to ensure long-term experience throughout the Navy. Bataan Sailors had to balance a ten-and-a-half month deployment with finding opportunities to study for the advancement exam. Leadership gave training during deployment to help Sailors reach the next level.

"Leadership really encouraged me when I had free time during deployment to study for the advancement exam," said Yeoman 2nd Class (SW/AW) Charles Brewer, a Sailor promoted in this cycle.

Another reason for Bataan's excellent promotion for this cycle was the outstanding work done by the Sailors during the recent extended deployment.

"Bataan's Sailors took on the challenges of the deployment and used their time wisely," said Capt. Erik Ross, Bataan's commanding officer. "The missions accomplished and qualifications earned by the crew while standing the watch were recognized by leadership. Evaluations and awards followed, and our advancement numbers show the benefits of hard work and dedication."

Bataan is currently in homeport Norfolk, Va., undergoing planned maintenance availability.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS Bataan (LHD 5), visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd5/.

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