Ooh-rah, Air Warrior!

the

SHUTTLE

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

Ooh-rah, Air Warrior!

Photo by Cpl. Courtney White

Tuesday June 14, 2011

the SHUTTLE

Page 3

Enterprise News Marine earns EAWS pin aboard Big ‘E’

By Cpl. Courtney C. White USS Enterprise Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At seaSailors 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 VMFA251. “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

Photo by Cpl. Courtney C. White

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.

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

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.

Page 4

the SHUTTLE

Sailors of the Day

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman

Tuesday June 14, 2011

Aviation Ordnance Technician 3rd Class

Matthew Detrich Robinson- Miami, FL

Everett W. Pettit- Ewing, IL

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.

Photos by MC3 Jared M. King

FUN ZONE!

Down 1 Ancient Andean 2 Revolutionary Trotsky 3 Hasty escapes 4 Political power structure 5 Praised loudly 6 Oscar-winner Burstyn 7 Three-toed sloths 8 Ancient colonnade 9 Acquired deservedly 10 Bootlickers 11 Forgiveness 12 Repeats 13 Actress Daly 15 Putin’s refusal 21 Carbonated drinks 23 Inanimate 25 Draft rating 26 Not forgotten 27 Cleared 29 Tropical tern 32 Wet earth 33 Boxing official 34 Achy 36 Steinway product 37 Mother of Helen of Troy 40 1962 Paul Anka hit 42 Hanna’s partner 44 Palomino pen 45 Cedar of the Himalayas 47 Cartoonist Al 49 Sound on the hour 50 Free from risk 51 Copperfield’s bride 53 It may be thrown 54 Terry garment 55 Trampled 58 Carpet cleaner, for short

Across

1 Uncomfortable 10 Sourish 14 Ice-cream variety 16 Do as bidden 17 Required 18 “It’s ___ to Tell a Lie” 19 Having a handle 20 Amusing tale 22 Cleave 24 Star of Paris 25 Mountain nymph 28 Cutoff point

30 French possessive 31 Receptionist’s call 32 Long March leader 33 Dreadlocks wearers 35 Funnyman Philips 36 Places to splash 38 “How was ___ know?”

39 Virgil epic 41 Awesome, in teen slang 42 Transvaal settler 43 Badlands formation 44 Charisse of “Silk Stockings” 45 “___ Macabre”

46 Half-tamed horse 48 Perfect server 50 Coast 52 Capital of Tasmania 56 “Commedia dell’___” 57 Support 59 Lawyers’ charges 60 Suriname’s capital 61 Taro root 62 Injured by tearing