aboard the USS

AD2 PEDRO GAYTAN, VAW-113 AE3 ZACHARY GAMEZ, VAW-113

After breaking down chains following an aircraft refueling and crew swap, AD2 Gaytan and AE3 Gamez were positioned outside the starboard engine nacelle aft of the propeller. There was an aircraft director under instruction that went in to pull chocks from the starboard main gear, and after he removed them, the trainee tripped forward towards the spinning propeller. AD2 Gaytan, who was positioned between the trainee and the prop, firmly grabbed the trainee, preventing him from going forward into the prop, while AE3 Gamez pulled the back of the trainee’s float coat to stop the forward momentum of both the trainee and AD2 Gaytan into the aircraft’s moving propeller. AD2 Gaytan and AE2 Gamez’s prompt reaction showed their attention to their surroundings while critical flight deck operations were taking place, and ultimately prevented serious injury to a fellow shipmate.

AD3 ZACHARY MORRIS, VMFAT-101

While acting as a plane captain for an F/A-18D, AD3 Morris prevented a possible mishap by performing a meticulous aircraft preflight walk around. AD3 Morris noticed a leak coming from the main landing gear tire, despite the noise and activity of a busy flight line. AD3 Morris informed the pilot, the Commanding Officer, that he thought he had a leak and had narrowed the leak down to the valve stem. AD3 Morris quickly repaired the leaky valve stem along with the help and supervision of Cpl Burwell and ensured the tire was filled to the proper PSI.

Had AD3 Morris not noticed the leaky valve stem cover on preflight, the pilot in command could have found himself executing loss of directional control during take off or landing procedures from NATOPS. His attention to detail, initiative, and dedication to safety prevented a possible mishap.

“Never stop learning. Those that stop learning, fail. School house training is the tip of the iceberg. Real training happens on the flight line, flight deck and in the work center. Leaders must encourage, prioritize and build training into planning.”