Thursday, December 12, 2019

Belle Chasse Native Promoted to Petty Officer Third Class

(NORFOLK, Va.) A Belle Chasse, Louisiana, native was promoted to the rank of petty officer third class aboard the Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), Dec. 9.

Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Jacob D. Cooper, a 2013 graduate of Belle Chasse High School, was one of 140 Sailors to receive a promotion to the next paygrade.

Sailors were advanced based on a number of factors such as evaluations, exam scores, time in rate, awards and pass not advanced points.

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

“This takes a lot of hard work, a lot of determination, moral fortitude, grit and resiliency,” said Higgins. “Thank you for the jobs that you do, thank you for the leadership you provide. You’ve earned it, keep it.”

Cooper said he was honored to be selected.

"I’m excited to promote and hope I’m making my family, friends, city, and state proud,” he said.

Dwight D. Eisenhower is currently underway conducting carrier qualifications in the Atlantic Ocean.