Sailor in the Spotlight

By MC1 Kegan E. Kay, NAS Sigonella Public Affairs

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate [Handler] 2nd Class Tommy Raynes is always ready to respond to any possible emergency working as the leading petty officer (LPO) for the Naval Air Station Sigonella’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

The EOC is the control center for emergency management operations and provides organizing, training, and equipping of military and civilian personnel to prepare and respond to natural, accidental or civil threats to the Navy installation or surrounding community.

The desire to help people is nothing new for Raynes, as he originally went to college studying nursing, but ultimately decided he wanted to take his life in a different direction. Influenced by his time in the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, Raynes explored his options for joining the military and joined the Navy in March of 2013.

Raynes, onboard NAS Sigonella for two years, works outside of his rate as part of a general billet assignment, and emphasizes that he has learned a lot while working in the EOC.

“We are the hub for anything that goes on,” said Raynes. “We have to set a plan for any emergencies that arise and coordinate everything. There is never a set schedule because you never know what might happen.”

As the LPO, his responsibilities include the support of the daily operations of the EOC as well as leading the installation’s Situation Unit for any emergency, including the ongoing COVID-19 response and recovery.

“These responsibilities alone have proven his tenacity to accomplish operational demands is above reproach,” remarked Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate [Equipment] Tinisha Franklin, emergency management departmental leading chief petty officer. “He is an extremely flexible leader who positively motivates his peers and subordinates to meet our commands mission.”

Raynes maintains an open mind to his leadership style and attributes his continued success to advice he was given years ago, “being a leader is always a little give and take” and to “never forget where you come from.”

In addition to his duties as the LPO, Raynes is also the Installation’s CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear or High-Yield Explosive) program manager responsible for all fittests for personnel, including tenant commands. Raynes also works as an on-call emergency dispatcher, providing additional hours to help fulfill staffing shortfalls.

“He is always ready to support and provide assistance,” added Franklin. “There is never any task too challenging for him. Raynes is an outstanding Sailor who truly emulates honor, courage, and commitment.”