SHUTTLEtheUSS Enterprise (CVN 65)- Tuesday June 14, 2011

Ooh-rah,

Air Warrior!Photo by Cpl. Courtney White

the Page 3Tuesday June 14, 2011

Enterprise NewsSHUTTLE

By Cpl. Courtney C. WhiteUSS Enterprise Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At sea- Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) aren’t the only ones aboard earning qualifications and specialties while deployed. Marines are taking the time and effort to become Air Warriors with their Sailor brethren. Cpl. Matthew Adkins, an electro-optical technician attached to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 251, became the first Marine deployed with Enterprise to earn the Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist (EAWS) pin. The EAWS pin normally recognizes enlisted Sailors who have acquired the specific skills, knowledge, and experience that result in qualification for service in the naval aviation activities. This includes flight deck-trained personnel aboard aircraft carriers, other ships with flight operations or maintenance personnel assigned to an Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD) or aircraft squadrons. “The Marines were given clear direction that they needed to take care of their Marine Corps training first,” said Staff Sgt. Barry Roberts, a production controller and the Senior Marine of the Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31 (MALS-31) detachment attached to VMFA-251. “However, completing the EAWS will certainly enhance their understanding of the integration between Navy and Marine Corps Aviation.” While on the Enterprise’s 21st deployment, many of the Marines working alongside the Sailors noticed the vast amount of training and studying they do regularly. Adkins decided

to fight for his right to train alongside them and earn his EAWS pin. “At first I was told that I couldn’t earn the EAWS pin,” Adkins stated. “So I routed a chit up my chain of command and was approved.” Adkins joined his fellow service members and learned about aircraft, the ship, first aid, damage control, basic administrative information and more while studying for his EAWS qualification. “The EAWS qualification required a lot of training and studying,” Adkins said. “They don’t just give you the pin, you really have to pay attention, put in the effort and earn it.” Adkins studied both during and after work hours and in between participating in Marine Corps Martial Arts Program training, and completing Marine Corps Institutes and regular day-

to-day duties. “I am proud of all of my service members that have earned their EAWS qualification, including Cpl. Adkins,” said Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class Jerry Alston, the ship’s AIMD Advanced Targeting Forward Looking Infrared leading petty officer. “For him to go after this qualification says a lot about him and the will and drive he has to succeed.” Although Marines can benefit from the knowledge learned from the qualification, they are, by regulation, not authorized to wear the EAWS pin. “Even though I can’t actually wear the EAWS pin on my Marine Corps uniform, it was definitely worth earning,” Adkins stated. “Just having the knowledge, training and trying really hard to earn it was great. I also hoped to have motivated the

Marine earns EAWS pin aboard Big ‘E’

Photo by Cpl. Courtney C. White

sailors around me to earn theirs.” Adkins was able to build camaraderie with the Sailors in his shop by training with them, studying with them and quizzing each other. “Cpl. Adkins earning his warfare pin has motivated many people inside my work center and throughout the ship to earn theirs as well,” Alston stated. “He has shown that if a Marine can earn their warfare pin, completely on a voluntary notion, there is no reason why our Sailors cannot earn theirs.” Learning the information involved with the EAWS qualification can be used throughout the Marine Corps and Navy community. Although Adkins won’t be able to wear his pin, he will have the qualifications in his Service Record Book and the new knowledge to take with him throughout his career.

Cpl. Matthew Adkins, a Marine electro-optical technician attached to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 251, holds his Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist pin on the flight deck aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65), June 13. Although Adkins won’t be able to wear his pin, he will have the qualifications in his Service Record Book.

the Tuesday June 14, 2011Page 4 SHUTTLE

FUN ZONE!

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46 Half-tamed horse48 Perfect server50 Coast52 Capital of Tasmania56 “Commedia dell’___”57 Support59 Lawyers’ charges60 Suriname’s capital61 Taro root62 Injured by tearing

Sailors of the DayAviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) AirmanMatthew Detrich Robinson- Miami, FL

Photos by MC3 Jared M. King

ABHAN Robinson, a “Fly 2 Yellow Shirt aircraft director” for Enterprise’s Air Department, V-1 Division, joined the Navy two and a half years ago to “make my parents proud.” To Robinson, the most rewarding aspect of his job is earning the “highest qualifications” as a young Sailor and leading both junior and senior Sailors. Robinson plans to become a master chief petty officer someday and “develop future ABs,” along with finishing his college degree and getting married. In his spare time, Robinson likes to watch sports, especially his beloved Oakland Raiders.

AO3 Pettit, an aviation ordnance technican for the “Red Rippers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11, joined the Navy three years ago for college education and the chance to maybe make a career in the Navy. To Pettit, the most rewarding aspect of his job is “working with live explosives and knowing I had a direct impact on the mission.” Pettit says “one day, I will be the gunner.” Pettit also aspires to become a second class petty officer someday and earn a college degree. When he returns from deployment, Pettit plans to hunt and spend time with his wife.

Aviation Ordnance Technician 3rd ClassEverett W. Pettit- Ewing, IL