MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. – U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sgt. Stephen Roberts, a Valdosta, Georgia native, working as the career planner staff non-commissioned officer for 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, was frocked to his current rank on Thursday, January 24, 2019.

Son of an Army Ranger, Master Gunnery Sgt. Roberts enlisted in the Marine
Corps in 1996. For more than 23 years, Roberts has fulfilled multiple
billets in multiple locations. From drill instructor at Marine Corps Recruit
Depot, Parris Island, S.C. to training Emiratis recruits in the United Arab
Emirates.

Originally a naval tradition, frocking is the practice of a commissioned or
non-commissioned officer selected for promotion wearing the insignia of the higher grade before the official date of promotion. Roberts becomes one of only six Marines in his military occupational specialty to currently hold
this rank.

PHOTO: U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sgt. Stephen Roberts (right) with Brig. General Karsten Heckl (left) and his father (middle), during his promotion ceremony