USS Enterprise (CVN 65)
The Shuttle Newsletter Edition
“We are Legend”
June 13, 2012 Issue
Enterprise Honors Fallen Shipmate Story by Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW) Stephen White USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea – Sailors and Marines aboard the nuclearpowered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) gathered June 12 in the ship’s hangar bay to bid farewell to Master Chief Logistics Specialist Richard J. Kessler, Jr., who was found deceased in his berthing compartment June 8 aboard the ship. Kessler, 47, reported to Enterprise in April, 2011, as the Logistics Leading Chief Petty Officer and, shortly thereafter, assumed the role of Supply department Leading Chief Petty Officer. He is survived by his wife and two children. “Rich Kessler left a lasting mark on Enterprise,” said Master Chief Ship’s Serviceman Steve Robinson, friend and fellow Supply department Master Chief. “He was easily picked out from a crowd, with a salty, seasoned air he Photo by MC3 Scott Pittman left us with some big shoes to fill. We are going to miss your had. One look at Rich Kessler and you determination in doing our part in support of the ship, the just knew he was a Master Chief.” Sailors, and the commitment of completing the mission. All of Robinson also said that Kessler was “one of those ‘been us are going to miss your big chuckle.” there, done that’ Master Chiefs. The ones who can chew you Wright continued, “Supply department flourished under his out, tear you down, then pick you back up, put you together, leadership, a leadership that can be summed up aptly by the and send you on your way even better than before. The kind signature line on his emails: ‘Lead from the front – find a way, that you worked a little harder for, not because you were afraid or make one.’” of the dressing down you might get if you fell short of his Lery summed up Master Chief Kessler as “a Sailor’s expectations, but because you didn’t want to disappoint him.” Sailor. A leader who was less concerned with ‘why’ and more The memorial service was held in order to afford the crew concerned with improving the process and getting the mission the opportunity to bid farewell to a fallen shipmate. Highlights accomplished. Nothing you could throw at Rich would faze of the memorial included an invocation calling for the crew him, in public or private.” to remember their fallen shipmate by Cmdr. John B. Owen, Following the ceremony, the crew assembled on the flight Command Chaplain, a scripture reading by Master Chief Electronics Technician Ricky Martin, and memorial remarks by deck, forming a corridor through which the Supply department Master Chief Culinary Specialist Thaddeus Wright, and Carrier and Chiefs, Senior Chiefs and Master Chiefs from throughout the ship escorted their fallen comrade to the C-2 Greyhound Air Wing One Command Master Chief John Lery. of the “Rawhides” of VRC-40 for his final departure from the Following the invocation, Capt. William C. Hamilton, Jr., the ship’s Commanding Officer spoke to the crew about Master ship. “He loved to build engines; he had big plans for his red Chief Kessler. Dodge Dakota RT when we returned, and he was going to start “When I think about Master Chief Kessler, the first thing taking it to car shows as well,” Robinson said. You always that comes to mind is strength of character,” Hamilton said. knew where you stood with him, he did not hold grudges. If “Master Chief Kessler epitomized every positive trait of a he had a problem he would let you know about it and keep Master Chief.” moving.” Wright spoke fondly of Master Chief Kessler. “Rich, you
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Wednesday, June 13, 2012
In Memory of LSCM(aw/s
Photo by MC3 Scott Pittman
Photo by MC3 Scott Pittman
Photo by MC3(SW) Britney Epps
Photo by MC3 Scott Pittman
Photo by MC3 Scott Pittman
Photo by MC3 Brian G. Reynolds
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
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sw) Richard J. Kessler, Jr.
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Photo by MC3 Randy J. Savarese
Photo by MC3 Gregory White
Photo by MC3(SW) Britney Epps
Photo by MC3 Randy J. Savarese
Photo by MC3 Scott Pittman
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Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Sailors of the Day Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Jeffrey Edward Curran
MM3 Jeffrey Curran, from Graham, Wash., joined the Navy three and a half years ago to serve his country and gain valuable work experience. He enjoys watching sports and going to the gym in his spare time. In the future, Curran hopes to graduate from college and become a structural firefighter.
Airman Shorish Daoodi
AN Shorish Daoodi, from San Diego, joined the Navy one year ago to gain new experiences and education. Daoodi enjoys video games, traveling, surfing and trying new restaurants. He hopes to advance to HM3 and obtain a degree in architecture in the future.
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