New Carlisle Sailor Promoted at NCBC Gulfport

GULFPORT, Miss. (Aug. 5, 2026) — U.S. Navy Builder 2nd Class Liam May, a New Carlisle, Ohio native, was frocked during a ceremony at Naval Construction Battalion Center (NCBC) Gulfport, Aug. 5, 2026.

Frocking is a military tradition that provides early recognition to service members selected for promotion by allowing them to assume the title and wear their new rank before their official promotion date. Being frocked is a milestone that service members look forward to throughout their careers.

“I’m proud of myself for getting to this point,” May said. “It’s one of the goals that I set for myself and I’m glad that I accomplished it.”

May, a Seabee assigned to NCBC Gulfport, joined the Navy in 2022 out of a desire to better himself and gain professional skills that he can one day use in the civilian world.

“I just wanted to be more well-rounded,” he said. “I wanted to grow mentally and develop professionally.”

May recalled a special event during a 2024 deployment to Guam with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11. He volunteered his time to help with a flag-planting ceremony commemorating Guam’s liberation from Japan during World War II.

“We planted a few thousand American flags and got to spend time with the locals, celebrating their liberation,” said May. “It was a good time.”

As May nears the end of his first Navy enlistment contract, he has options: transition to civilian life using the skills he acquired or reenlist to continue his military career.

“I think I’m staying in the Navy,” May said. “I feel like I have more to give.”

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