Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Minden Native Meritoriously Promoted to Petty Officer Third Class

(NORFOLK, Va.) A Minden, Nebraska, native was meritoriously promoted to the rank of petty officer third class aboard the Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), March 6.

Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sophie Pinkham, a 2016 graduate of Minden High School, was one of 68 Sailors to receive a promotion to the next paygrade as part of the Navy’s Meritorious Advancement Program (MAP).

The program allows commanding officers to advance eligible Sailors to the next paygrade in recognition of their hard work and dedication.

Capt. Kyle Higgins, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower’s commanding officer, congratulated the Sailors.

“I want these Sailors to understand their leadership position,” said Higgins. “My advice to all who were advanced is to keep performing. You can never rest where we are; it’s always where we’re going.”

Pinkham said she was honored to be promoted.

“It’s reassuring to know that my chain of command sees my potential and my drive to succeed,” she said. “I’m excited for the responsibilities and challenges that come with my new rank.”

Dwight D. Eisenhower is currently undergoing routine maintenance in its Norfolk homeport.