Reservist

ISS3 2014

Reservist Magazine is the award-winning official publication of the United States Coast Guard Reserve. Quarterly issues include news and feature articles about the men and women who comprise America's premier national maritime safety and security

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The Frocking Ceremony of Rear Adm. Pelkowski The newest Reserve Flag Offcer The frocking of Rear Adm. Francis "Stash" Pelkowski, the newest Coast Guard Reserve flag officer, took place on May 31st, 2014 at New York Maritime Academy with over 200 guests in attendance. Commander, Coast Guard Atlantic Area, Vice Adm. Dean Lee was the presiding official. Amongst the formalities of the ceremony was the involvement of Rear Adm. Francis "Stash" Pelkowski's sons Joseph and Jake. Joseph led in the pledge of allegiance and Jake played America on the bugle. When it came time to change out Capt. Pelkowski's cover and shoulder boards the children who stood on stools to do the honors, truly stole the show. The term frocking dates back to the Age of Sail, when communications between Headquarters and ships at sea could take months. News of the promotion of an officer arrived usually via letters brought by another ship, and often with orders for the newly promoted officer to report to a new ship or station. The ship that brought the news would often take the promoted officer away to his new post. Since the departing officer created a vacancy on the first ship, the Captain would often forward a recommendation, which was to be carried back, for promotion for one of the remaining officers. Since one of the symbols of rank was a frock coat, the newly promoted officer would pass his old frock coat to the officer who was recommended for promotion. The officer recommended for promotion would be afforded the privileges and authorities of his new rank but would not receive the pay for it until a later date. Because he was still wearing the old frock coat of the recently departed officer, the officer destined for promotion was considered "frocked." In Rear Adm. Pelkowski's remarks, he recognizes that this milestone in his Coast Guard Reserve career would not be possible without support provided by his family, friends, and so many colleagues from industry, academia, government, and the military. The ceremony included a detailed script, guest speakers, and a live band. Concurrently, a communications mobile trailer was set up outside to educate visitors on the Coast Guard Auxiliary's communications capabilities. This came in quite handy as portable radios were distributed to help keep logistics coordinators in communications with each other. There was also a booth set up to provide Auxiliary information and boating safety. After the ceremony, Station Kings Point provided both a Response Boat-Small and Sector New York provided a Response Boat-Medium for dock-side tours. aBoVe: Joseph Pelkowski helps place a new admiral combination cover atop his father's head at his father's frocking ceremony, May 31. BeLoW: Jake Pelkowski plays America on the bugle at the ceremony. 14 RESERVIST � Issue 3 • 2014

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