SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Standing a little taller than yesterday, newly-minted Navy Lieutenant Austin Davies is reportedly thrilled that he’ll finally be taken seriously as an effective, mission-oriented professional he says he’s always been.

“This promotion represents a big step forward for me,” Davies congratulated himself, evidently believing he did something to earn the automatic advance in rank. “Even if it is long overdue.”

Davies was promoted today in a short ceremony aboard the destroyer USS Pinckney (DDG-91), where he serves as the ship’s Damage Control Officer. With four years of service to his name, the tested Navy officer says it’s about time he’s paid the respect he deserves from colleagues who, until now, were apparently unaware of his enormous potential as an officer.

“That one little bar was definitely holding me back,” Davies said, explaining the annoyance of being doubted as an ensign and lieutenant junior grade. “Hey, Pat!” he proudly added to a passing lieutenant who, yest…