USS Ponce operations, US Navy Photogrpah

Newly frocked Navy Bosun’s Mate 3rd Class (back right) watches as the First Class petty officers on board USS Ponce (LPD 15) tack on his “crows” (rank insignia) for him on board the amphibious transport dock USS Ponce (LPD 15) after the ship got under way from Morehead City, N.C. August 29, 2010 after on-loading elements of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). Tacking on is a tradition that goes back hundreds of years and involved the higher-raking sailors putting together the first uniform for a junior sailor who had been promoted. The Ponce is part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Readiness Group (KSG ARG), which consists of the USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), USS Carter Hall (LSD 3), and USS Ponce along with the 26th MEU. The ARG is bringing food, water, and heavy-lift equipment in support of the humanitarian relief efforts for flood victims in Pakistan. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Nathanael Miller.