VPU-2 History
Circa 2011
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Commander, Naval Air Forces Announces 2010 Battle 'E' Winners - Story Number: NNS110209-21 - Release Date: 2/9/2011 4:36:00 PM..." WebSite: Navy.Mil http://www.navy.mil/ [08MAR2011]
From Commander, Naval Air Forces Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO, Calif. (NNS) -- Commander, Naval Air Forces (CNAF) announced the winners of the 2010 Squadron Battle Efficiency (Battle "E") competition awards, Feb. 2.
USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), were the Battle "E" winners in the aircraft carrier category for the West and East Coasts, respectively.
The 2010 CNAF squadron Battle "E" winners for both the East and West Coasts are:
- VP-1, "Screaming Eagles" - VP-45, "Pelicans" - VQ-1, "World Watchers." - VQ-3, "Ironman" - VPU-2, "Wizards"
"In a time when we are continually asked to do more with less, the Sailors, officers and aviators of these carriers and squadrons continue to achieve and surpass the high standards of those who have come before," said CNAF Vice Adm. Allen G. Myers, in the Naval message announcing the winners. "I am proud of the tactical excellence and sound fiscal execution that you have all displayed. You have my personal congratulations on a job well done."
The Battle "E" competition is conducted to strengthen individual command performance, overall force readiness, and to recognize outstanding performance within the Naval Aviation Force.
For more news from Commander, Naval Air Forces, visit www.navy.mil/local/airpac/.
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Top official: Optimal manning ‘went too far' By Gidget Fuentes - Staff writer - Posted : Sunday Feb 6, 2011 8:23:24 EST... WebSite: NavyTimes http://www.navytimes.com/ [08FEB2011]
Waiting for permission to post entire article.
Circa 2008
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Flight Jacket and Flight Helmet Signed by Commander..." WebSite: Ebay http://www.ebay.com/ [05SEP2008]
These items were donated to the Earth Angles Foundation and were auctioned off at live auction to benefit the organization. Flight Helmet Certificate: This helmet was the standard issue protective headgear used by Naval Aircrewmen flying in the P-3 Orion, until January 2002, when an upgraded model was integrated into service. It was first issue on January 12, 1998, and has seen service in combat exercises over KOSOVO, OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM, and most recently OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM with CDR Morgan "Mojo" Jones, Commanding Officer Special Projects Patrol Squadron Two, United States Navy. Upon completion of these duties, it was retired from service. It has therefore been signed by CDR Morgan and donated to support the Earth Angles Foundation with our gratitude for their diligent efforts. Flight Jacket Certificate: This flight jacket is the standard issue for Naval Aircrewmen flying in the P-3 Orion. It was first issued to LT Vernon Red in March 1996, and has seen service on deployments in NAF Misawa, Japan and NSF Diego Garcia, and combat exercises in KOSOVO, OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM, and most recently operations in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM with Special Projects Patrol Squadron Two, United States Navy. In May 2003 it was retired from service. LT Red was the Division Officer for the Avionics Work Center in the Maintenance Department at this time. The signatures that adorn this Flight Jacket are the personnel from the Maintenance Department to show our heart-felt thanks to the Earth Angles Foundation for their diligent efforts.
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Group - RADM Brian C. Prindle, USN. Wings of Gold - Spring 2008 - Page 6-8. (Squadrons/Wings Referenced: VP-62, VP-69, VQ-1, VQ-2, VPU-1, VPU-2, VP-1, VP-4, VP-5, VP-8, VP-9, VP-10, VP-16, VP-26, VP-30, VP-40, VP-45, VP-46, VP-47, CPRW-2, CPRW-5, CPRW-10 and CPRW-11..." WebSite: Association of Naval Aviation http://www.anahq.org/index.htm [23APR2008]
Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Group Article 166KB
Circa 2007
A BIT OF HISTORY: 070216-N-8937A-042 KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii (Feb. 15, 2007) "...Sailors assigned to Command Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing's 2 CPRW-2, VP-47, VP-9, and VPU-2 stand at attention during an awards ceremony recognizing the achievements of Sailors from each of the commands throughout the past year. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Ian W. Anderson (RELEASED)..." WebSite: Navy NewsStand http://www.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=43763 [20MAR2007]
A BIT OF HISTORY: 070216-N-8937A-042 KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii (Feb. 15, 2007) "...Sailors assigned to Command Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing's 2 CPRW-2, VP-47, VP-9, and VPU-2 stand at attention during an awards ceremony recognizing the achievements of Sailors from each of the commands throughout the past year. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Ian W. Anderson (RELEASED)..." WebSite: Navy NewsStand http://www.news.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=43763 [20MAR2007]
Circa 2006
A BIT OF HISTORY: VAQ-133 Photo "...Wizards return to Operation Enduring Freedom - By Lt. Jason Stiefer - Wizards' Reporter - Friday, February 24, 2006 - Squadrons Mention: VPU-2 and VAQ-134..." WebSite: Northwest Navigator http://www.northwestnavigator.com/index.php/navigator/whidbey/wizards_return_to_operation_enduring_freedom/ [27FEB2006]
Photograph Caption: Pictured is the front gate at the air base in Afghanistan.
The Wizards arrived at a forward deployed air base in Afghanistan Jan. 19. It's been almost a year to the day since they left after their first deployment to this dusty land.
The Wizards have been preparing for this deployment from the minute they left the first time. Lt. Jeffrey Strawn said, "We were told we were going to Japan, but I had a sneaky suspicion all along that we were going back to the Stan."
When the word finally came down the chain and they were sure they were going back, the Wizards started going through the paces of getting ready to deploy to a combat zone. There were command-wide safety classes to attend, pistols and rifles to get qualified with, a three day Operational Readiness Assessment, online Code of Conduct training to complete, not to mention spending as much time as possible with family and friends before departure.
Lt. Jason Crowley shouted, "I'm ready to go! I haven't unpacked from the first time we went!"
In prepping for the deployment, many considered the ORA to be the most painful training evolution. First there were tests—written tests on first aid, biological, chemical, nuclear warfare and how to tell what you've been attacked with. After the written tests came three days of practical tests for the day and night shifts.
Three long days of drills, donning the gas mask, doffing the gas masks—again and again and again. Donning the chemical protection suit, doffing the chemical protection suit—again and again and again. Then doing the whole thing over while you are timed! Then doing push-ups with all that gear on.
The most important part of the whole drill however was the making sure everyone was accounted for after an alarm.
"It's all about procedure, procedure, procedure.", said Command Master Chief Larry Memmer. "It's tough when everyone is wearing the same uniform, not to mention a hood and a gas mask. All that procedural training definitely helped out during our last two alert drills here in Afghanistan."
The Wizards finished all their training, got 100 percent dental ready to deploy, packed all their gear and headed for "The Stan". With only two days of turnover with VAQ-134 because of transportation delays getting there, the Wizards quickly huddled and got down to business.
Lt.j.g. Charles Fatora joked, "It's just like last time only there is a Dairy Queen next to the gym now. Ha-ha!"
After three weeks, the schedule is running smooth and the Wizards are starting to develop their daily routines.
Flight Doc Lt. David Hayes said, "Getting kind of into a routine is good for you. Working out, that's good too."
If the schedule stays as busy as it was during the Wizard's previous deployment, time will fly by, it will all be over, and they'll be on their way home PDQ.
© 2006 Sound Publishing, Inc.
Circa 2005
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Best Practices - Information for Continual Improvement - From VPU-2's December safety gram - Approach January - February 2005..." WebSite: Naval Safety Center http://safecen.navy.mil/media/approach/issues/janfeb05/bestpractices.htm [30JUN2006]
The CO asked the ASO to analyze P-3 historical A, B, and C mishap summaries from 1990 to 2003 to identify the most likely cause of the next mishap, and then to identify steps the squadron can take to mitigate the risks. The result: a determination that the most likely scenario would be a ground mishap caused by human factors, specifically poor procedural execution and supervisory error. Having picked a scenario, the squadron then used AMI preparations to refocus on following proper procedures the first time and making sure maintenance actions are conducted and documented "by the book." The result was improved aircraft availability and mission effectiveness. They also were able to schedule a dedicated training day for maintainers, as well as aircrew. Leadership makes sure the steps remain in place and are effective; the efforts are paying dividends.
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...//NO1650// - MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO N09F/10A/APR// - SUBJ/CNO ANNUAL AVIATION SAFETY AWARDS// - REF/A/DOC/OPNAVINST 1650.28// - NARR/REF A IS CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS AVIATION-RELATED SAFETY AWARDS// - POC/E. K. THOMPSON/CIV/NAVSAFECEN 10A/LOC:NORFOLK - /TEL:DSN 564-3520 X7226// - GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. PER REF A THE FOLLOWING COMMANDS HAVE BEEN SELECTED AS WINNERS OF THE CALENDAR YEAR 2005 CNO - AVIATION SAFETY AWARD (Few Squadrons Mentioned: VP-10, VP-92, VPU-2, VQ-1, VQ-2 and VX-1)..." WebSite: Safety Center http://safetycenter.navy.mil/awards/CNO_SafetyMsg05.txt [05JUN2006]
A. COMNAVAIRLANTB. COMNAVAIRPACC. COMMARFORCOMMARINE TRANSPORTATION SQUADRON 1 MARINE LIGHT/ATTACK HELICOPTER SQUADRON 167 MARINE MEDIUM HELICOPTER SQUADRON 264 MARINE TACTICAL ELECTRONIC WARFARE SQUADRON 1 MARINE FIGHTER ATTACK SQUADRON 251 MARINE MEDIUM HELICOPTER SQUADRON 266 MARINE LIGHT/ATTACK HELICOPTER SQUADRON 269 MARINE FIGHTER ATTACK SQUADRON 115 MARINE AERIAL REFUELER TRANSPORT SQUADRON 252 MARINE ALL WEATHER FIGHTER ATTACK SQUADRON 533 D. COMMARFORPACMARINE LIGHT ATTACK HELICOPTER SQUADRON 369 MARINE MEDIUM HELICOPTER SQUADRON 364 MARINE HEAVY HELICOPTER SQUADRON 465 MARINE MEDIUM HELICOPTER SQUADRON 262 MARINE ALL WEATHER FIGHTER ATTACK SQUADRON 242 MARINE AERIAL REFUELER TRANSPORT SQUADRON 152 MARINE HEAVY HELICOPTER SQUADRON 363 MARINE HEAVY HELICOPTER SQUADRON 466 MARINE FIGHTER ATTACK TRAINING SQUADRON 101 MARINE ATTACK SQUADRON 211 MARINE MEDIUM HELICOPTER TRAINING SQUADRON 164 MARINE MEDIUM HELICOPTER SQUADRON 161 MARINE CORPS AIR STATION YUMA E. COMNAVAIRFORESF. CG FOURTH MAWMARINE LIGHT ATTACK HELICOPTER SQUADRON 773 MARINE MEDIUM HELICOPTER SQUADRON 774 MARINE MEDIUM HELICOPTER SQUADRON 764 MARINE FIGHTER ATTACK SQUADRON 142 MARINE AERIAL REFUELER TRANSPORT SQUADRON 452 G. NATRACOMH. COMNAVAIRSYSCOMAIR TEST AND EVALUATION SQUADRON 20 2. REQUEST CONTROLLING CUSTODIANS DISSEMINATE INFO TO ALL WINNERS. CITATIONS AND PLAQUES WILL BE FORWARDED TO COGNIZANT CONTROLLING CUSTODIANS FOR PRESENTATION.
3. THESE AWARD WINNERS ARE RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR COMMITMENT TO PROFESSIONALISM, SOLID LEADERSHIP AND COMPETENT RISK MANAGEMENT THAT LEAD TO SAFE AND EFFECTIVE OPERATIONS. VERY WELL DONE TO ALL HANDS.//
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...NAVY REGION HAWAII NEWS STAND - Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing TWO Honors Sailors of the Year - Release Date: 12/16/2005 - By LCDR Nicholas Andrews, CPRW-2 Public Affairs. Squadrons Mentioned: CPRW-2, VPU-2 and VP-9..." WebSite: Navy News Stand http://www.hawaii.navy.mil/NewsPAO/NRHNews_display.asp?story_id=496 [27DEC2005]
Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing TWO (CPRW-2) recently recognized four Sailors for their outstanding performance by naming them Sailor of the Year. Congratulations to Senior Sea Sailor of the Year AD1 (AW) Leonard L. Williamson, Senior Shore Sailor of the Year AC1 (AW) Rodney H. Love, Junior Sea Sailor of the Year YN2 (AW) Rachel M. Olmsted, and Junior Shore Sailor of the Year AT2 (AW) Bradley J. La Fontaine. Each were presented with a plaque and awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal by CAPT Robert J. Adrion, Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing TWO.
CPRW-2, which encompasses over ten different units, is the parent command of four P-3C squadrons, one Executive Transport Detachment, and several other tenant Navy commands aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii. This years recipients; both sea and shore, junior and senior; have each contributed significantly to improving not only the performance of each of their individual units, but also the overall performance of Wing TWO.
AD1 (AW) Leonard L. Williamson CPRW-2 Senior Sea Sailor of the Year. A native of Claysville, Pennsylvania, AD1 Williamson is the 100 Division Leading Petty Officer, VPU-2.
AC1 (AW) Rodney H. Love CPRW-2 Senior Shore Sailor of the Year. A native of Biloxi, Mississippi, AC1 Love is the Air Traffic Control Facility Leading Petty Officer, Marine Corps Air Facility.
YN2 (AW) Rachel M. Olmsted CPRW-2 Junior Sea Sailor of the Year. A native of Gillespie, Illinois, YN2 Olmsted is the Administrative Department Assistant Leading Petty Officer, VP-9.
AT2 (AW) Bradley J. La Fontaine CPRW-2 Junior Shore Sailor of the Year. A native of Edison, New Jersey, AT2 La Fontaine is the Work Center 660 Leading Petty Officer, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron TWENTY FOUR.
A BIT OF HISTORY: Petty Officer 3rd Class Edgardo A. Castillo "...Sailor Lives the 'Better Life' in Navy - Marine Corps News - By Sgt. Joseph A. Lee - September 23, 2005..." WebSite: Marine Corps News http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,77585,00.html [03OCT2005]
MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii - "All we want is a better life for you," said the parents of a Navy machinist's mate assigned to Patrol Squadron Special Projects Unit 2, before he joined the Navy in 2001.
Born and raised in San Joaquin Valley, Calif., Petty Officer 3rd Class Edgardo A. Castillo, claimed that he has found that better life in the Navy and is especially enjoying his duty aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay.
Castillo's parents migrated to the United States from Mexico when they were both young adults, settling in the small town of Earlimart, Calif. Immediately, the Castillo family began to grow — first with the birth of Edgardo, then two more boys and a girl.
"We didn't travel much as kids or get to do anything that spectacular," said Castillo of his life back home. "Had I not joined the Navy, I think I'd probably still be in the same town in California, working in the agriculture business, like my father."
In high school, Castillo studied drafting and said he has always had aspirations of being an architect — some day.
"My teacher, in high school, picked me out as having some sort of gift for drafting, so given the opportunity, I'm planning on continuing with that dream."
Castillo is currently working on getting assigned to the Navy's school for draftsmen in San Francisco where he can take his dream to the next level and find a place to "hang his hat," but in the meantime, Castillo said he enjoys "hanging 10" and exploring the island every weekend, here in Hawaii.
"There's no way anyone could get stationed here and not enjoy the tour," said Castillo. "I talk to my friends back at home every once in awhile, and I can tell they are still doing the same thing they were doing when I left four years ago. You might say they are a bit jealous."
Whether he's body boarding on Oahu's North Shore, snorkeling at Hanauma Bay or towing wake boarders behind a speed boat in Kaneohe Bay, Castillo makes sure to take advantage of every single thing Hawaii and the island of Oahu has to offer.
"I can only think of what I would have been doing if I didn't join the Navy," said Castillo. "Probably exactly what my brother is doing right now — going to a community college, maybe picking grapes in the field."
According to Castillo, his friends back at home would never receive the benefits the Navy offers, and his parents still have to fight for many of them.
"The medical, dental and other benefits we get are just not really an option for many who work in agriculture," said Castillo. "There's no comparison to any job in my hometown."
Castillo watched his parents raise him and his younger siblings with very little extra money, so travel and vacationing wasn't an option for the Castillo family.
"I wanted something more — just like my parents wanted for me. I wanted to travel, to see the world. Now I've been in only four years, and I have seen more than I thought I'd ever see."
Castillo visited several U.S. states for the first time while getting his initial Navy training completed in San Diego, where President George W. Bush once visited his unit to get transportation to the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. From there, Castillo received orders to MCB Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, where he was sent immediately on deployment to the Middle East.
"We visited much more than just the desert, though," said Castillo. "During our trip, we must have visited ten to fifteen different countries along the way, before returning to Hawaii. I'm really glad I got to deploy, even though my parents were really concerned and worried for me."
According to Castillo, enjoying everything this island has to offer is his number-one priority before taking his next plunge into whatever life and the Navy may bring.
"I have things I want to accomplish in life," said Castillo, "but one thing I can be sure of is that my parents are proud of the decisions I'm making today as a Sailor, and I'm happy to be where I am. I think it's fair to say that I have that ‘better life' my parents always wanted for me."
A BIT OF HISTORY: CPO Selectees Recognized "...CPRW-2, VP-4, VP-9, VP-47 and VPU-2 - Page A-4 Hawaii Navy News - August 5, 2005..." WebSite: Hawaii Navy News http://www.hawaii.navy.mil/NewsPAO/HNN_Archive/050805/080505NAVYNEWSA.pdf [11AUG2005]
Circa 2004
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...U.S. Navy Senior Chief Mike Allen - Flight Engineer Soars to Milestone - By Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rich Mattingly..." http://www.defendamerica.mil/profiles/feb2004/pr021704a.html [10DEC2004]
MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Feb. 1, 2004 -- When Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Mike Allen reached a "year in the air," or 8,060 hours aloft, in August 2002, he never imagined that the next big milestone for aviators was less than two years away.
The flight line at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, was a welcome sight to this Patrol Squadron 2 senior chief flight engineer as his P-3 Orion descended, successfully logging his 10,000th flight hour, Feb. 1.
Airmen from VPU-2, family members and well-wishers were on hand to congratulate Allen on his entrance into the "10,000 Club."
Now, reaching 10,000 hours is a rarity," said Senior Chief Petty Officer Ted Gallinat, another flight engineer with VPU-2. "It's huge."
Allen received a certificate and lapel pin from Lockheed Martin Corporation for his achievement before he cut a cake commemorating the flight.
Flight engineers are incredibly valuable to a flight crew and pilot," said Lt. Cmdr. Eric Seib, a P-3 pilot with VPU-2. "Their expertise is unquestionable, especially if anything ever goes wrong with the aircraft."
Allen didn't expect to hit the mark before he left flight status for good.
I figured my flying career would be over long before I hit that mark," said Allen. "We're not flying the P-3s as much as we used to, but with more going on, we've gotten to be more active."
Allen's next tour will take him to Pensacola, Fla., where he's slated to be an instructor at the Naval Aircrew Candidate School.
Circa 2001
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Naval officer ends 24-year career - Thursday, April 5, 2001..." WebSite: DC Military - Tester http://www.dcmilitary.com/dcmilitary_archives/stories/040501/6247-1.shtml [16OCT2006]
On March 23, the commander of the Naval Air Systems Command and the Program Executive Officer for Strike Weapons and Unmanned Aviation bid farewell to Capt. Richard M. Prevatt III. Prevatt culminated his U.S. Navy career of over 24 years as he passed the lead of Naval Afloat Targeting and Cruise Missiles Command and Control Programs (PMA-281) to Capt. Michael A. Hecker.
PMA-281 is chartered to develop, acquire, deploy and support Naval Afloat Targeting systems and Cruise Missile Command and Control Systems for the nation's warriors. Its roots date back to 1977 when the Joint Cruise Missiles Program Office was created. PMA-281 was formed in 1986 to provide mission planning capabilities for Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles. Since that time, the command has evolved to support a wide variety of Navy weapons, provide imagery processing and exploitation systems, precision targeting systems, as well provide innovative approaches to conducting maritime power projection.
In September 1997, Prevatt assumed command as program manager (PMA-281) for the nine major systems providing Command and Control, Imagery Processing, Precision Targeting and Mission Planning essential to fleet Tomahawk and Joint Precision Weapons. His team received multiple commendations for operational Tomahawk support during Operations Desert Fox and Allied Force/Noble Anvil and numerous Secretary of the Navy awards for Acquisition Innovation and Reform.
Born in Stuttgart, West Germany, into a military family, he earned his bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering and computer science, Summa Cum Laude, from Duke University in 1977. After commissioning in May, he reported to Pensacola, Fla., for naval flight training in June 1977, and graduated with distinction.
Prevatt completed P-3 replacement pilot training at VP-30, NAS Jacksonville, Florida in 1979, then reported to his first operational assignment with the "Pegasus" of VP-11, there completing two LANT deployments. After jet transition at Kingsville, Texas, in 1982, he graduated with Class 84 of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in December 1983. He joined Force Warfare Aircraft Test Directorate at Naval Air Test Center NAS Patuxent River, Maryland to direct P-3 engine performance monitoring, defensive electronic countermeasures, and survivability and vulnerability developmental test. He then returned to TPS as an instructor. In 1986, he joined the "Wizards" of Patrol Squadron Special Projects Unit 2 where he directed multiple WESTPAC deployments.
Prevatt earned his master's degree with distinction in computer science from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif., in December 1990. After graduation, he completed the program manager's course at the Defense Systems Management College, then began his association with Tomahawk as director of Test and Evaluation for Program Executive Officer, Cruise Missile Project during both Desert Watch and Desert Storm and the accelerated fleet introduction of Block III. In April 1994, he was selected to be deputy program manager for Combat Identification and then for Integrated Defensive Electronic Countermeasures for Program Executive Officer, Tactical Aircraft Programs (PEO(T)). In May 1997, he joined PEO(T) as operations officer and chief of staff. His service has included over 3,400 flight hours as a pilot in 41 types of Navy, Air Force, Army and Allied aircraft.
Prevatt is married to the former Tina Ashley of Jackson, Ohio. They live in Great Mills with their three children Matthew, Michael and Andrea.
Copyright © 2006 Comprint Military Publications - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...Bravo Zulu - AMS2 Joshua Melling VPU-2 - Mech January-March 2001..." WebSite: Naval Safety Center http://www.safetycenter.navy.mil/MEDIA/mech/issues/janmar01/JanMar01BZs.htm [30JUN2006]
On two occasions, Petty Officer Melling found problems with VPU-2 aircraft that could have resulted in loss of aircraft and crew. He discovered a spacer from the linkage for the emergency-landing gear lodged in the emergency-release cable. Upon further investigation, he also found the linkage bolt, washer and retaining nut separated from the aircraft. This problem could have prevented the starboard gear from being lowered manually.
In another incident, he noticed the ailerons vibrating when they were fully extended. He inspected the mechanical system and found the bellcrank differential worn beyond limits. Further investigation revealed the bellcrank bearings were corroded and falling out.
A BIT OF HISTORY: "...CNO Reenlists Hawaii Sailor – April 4, 2001 By CNO Public Affairs..." [21MAR2005]
KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Vern Clark, continues to take the message of his "Top Five" priorities for the Navy to the fleet.
During a recent trip to the West Coast, Pacific Northwest and Western Pacific, Clark found an opportunity to address his number one priority, manpower, himself.
While transiting through Marine Corps Air Facility Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, Clark jumped at the chance to participate in a reenlistment ceremony.
Aviation Machinist's Mate (AD) 1st Class Ken Parker, the unsuspecting reenlistee, anticipated a small informal gathering for the event. To his surprise, in walked the CNO.
"It's an honor to take part in this ceremony," Clark said. "It is so great when people decide to stay with us."
Lieutenant Kevin Ferguson, the squadron's maintenance material control officer and Parker's reenlisting officer, stepped aside as the CNO administered the reenlistment oath.
After the oath of office, Clark stressed to Parker the importance of this step in his career, and congratulated him on his commitment to continue service in the Navy.
Clark also reminded Parker that he, as a first class petty officer, is a leader, responsible for the personal and professional growth and development of the people assigned to him, the same statement Clark recently made to the Navy's commanding officers fleetwide.
"This was a big surprise," Parker said. "I didn't expect this. It's a real honor."
Parker, a native of Memphis, Tenn., is in his 14th year in the Navy. He received a 2000 Navy League Award, is president of the First Class Association, and presently works as a maintenance control coordinator, a qualification normally reserved for chief petty officers.
"We are very proud of AD1 Parker," said Cmdr. Joe Rixey, commanding officer of Special Projects Patrol Squadron 2 "This was a great event."
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