Aviation Boatswain's Mate - Equipment/ABE
METICULOUS TECHNICIAN. He demonstrated excellent technical skills to ensure the optimum equipment efficiency by performing numerous vital jobs like the 4CASV-66B gasket replacement and 3CAT fill room preservation, which was another example of how he keeps not only the equipment, but the spaces in peak condition. Was thoroughly involved in the dewatering of cat 2 void.
GREAT COLLABORATOR. His positive attitude and ability to make the job enjoyable was unmatched. During 2025 deployment, he was a vital team member and provided all support needed to meet the end goal of mission readiness by standing 150 hours of watch as catapult machinist.
MISSION FOCUSED. Whether in port or underway, he stepped up and responded to any deficiencies that EA10 was faced with. His diligent watch standing proved itself by spotting a CAT 1 sight glass rupture and taking corrective actions to prevent a further casualty. With his dedication, catapults has met every challenge we face.
-TOP-NOTCH TECHNICIAN. As code 949A ALPO, He led the production shop consisting of six Sailors and nine DOD civilians in the overhaul of 13 Rapid Securing Devices saving the navy over $13M. He also assisted in refurbishing three TLC frames from USS Chaffe and USS Chosin which include doing PMS and repairing vital equipment such as two merotta valves and one actuator.
-DYNAMIC AND TENACIOUS LEADER. ABE1 Birkholz meticulously led 39 Career Counselors throughout Air Department. Helped facilitate over 200 Career Development Boards, as well as direct over 140 Career Waypoints applications and 25 approved A-PACT Sailors applications. His dedication directly led to the enrichment and development of over 600 Air Department Sailors.
Petty Officer Robinson expertly led 10 personnel in the completion of 12 energy absorbers and one tape drum assembly in preparation for the annual certification testing and inspection on eight sets of E-28 arresting gear. His detailed technical knowledge and superior leadership was instrumental in maintaining 100% equipment operational readiness and received praise from carrier and field service unit inspectors for his outstanding work achieving a 96% reduction in the total number of discrepancies from the previous year.
-EXCELLENT MANAGER. As the Arresting Gear Precision Measuring Equipment Petty Officer, he has become a valuable asset to NAWCAD Lakehurst Test Site, taking on the task of keeping equipment up to date and properly calibrated for daily operations. He managed a calibration schedule for XX gauges and scheduled 17 gauges for calibration in a timely manner, resulting in a zero item overdue status and reducing maintenance turn-around time by 30%.
Superb technician. As a Collateral Duty Inspector, he directly supervised the safe and expeditious completion of 300 preventive and corrective maintenance actions on MK 7 MOD 3 Arresting Gear, including the floating piston re-pack and indicator rod re-pack. His dedication to excellence greatly increased the material condition readiness.
ABE3 leading 5 third classes and 1 junior sailor, leading to 20 qualifications. Performed Maintenance and Equipment upkeep on 4 E-28 Arresting gear engines. Accomplished 878 maintenance actions along with the replacement of one engine worth 250k resulting in the safe landing of 3,520 aircraft and the safe movement of 45,944 personnel and 12,918 tons of cargo. Maintained 3.2 million dollars of crash and salvage gear. Directly responsible for the passing of annual Arresting gear Certification. The only fully qualified third class, performing at a Second class level by working on Workcenter Supervisor qualification. Ranked as the number one EP in Air Operations. Exceptionally reliable, ABE3 is the "go-to" for fixing equipment due to his knowledge and expertise.
DEDICATED LEADER. As the direct liaison between NAVAIR and ships force, flawlessly supervised the AAG Workcenter during 1,500 test evolutions. Expertly inspected 35 critical maintenance checks, resulting in 100% equipment availability in support of the first recovery of fixed-wind aircraft aboard a FORD- class carrier.
EXPERT TRAINER. Meticulously conducted 1,500 hours of training for 80 sailors on EMALS and AAG systems and equipment, ensuring a 60% advancement rate. His superior instruction led to the qualification of 20 personnel and was instrumental in the preparation for Flight Deck Certification and CNAL ALREMP inspection.
OUTSTANDING COMMAND INVOLVEMENT. Selflessly dedicated 30 hours to the Commands INDOC Program and instructed 250 Sailors in the ships namesake, strengthening Navy Pride and Professionalism. Established the commands USMAP Journeyman's License Program and enrolled 120 Sailors, enhancing the Commands and Navy's mission.
SELF STARTER. Responsible for expertly constructing Air Departments inaugural Supply Program. Accurately maintained the upkeep of critical supply parts for testing and personal protective equipment of over 600 Sailors while governing a budget of $1,200.000 enabling the certification of four EMALS Catapults.
MISSION FOCUSED. Flawlessly instructed in 10 RPPO classes and two ALRE Academy classes, resulting in a 330 hours of instruction. His efforts directly contributed to an increase in all exam scores, leading to a 30% increase in Sailor advancement.
PROMINENT MENTOR. Demonstrating outstanding managerial skills, completed a third United States Military Apprenticeship Program Journeyman's License and enrolled 65 Sailors in the same program. His flawless efforts directly contributed to 30 USMAP completions, increasing in-rate knowledge and career enhancement.
EFFECTIVE MANAGER. Directly responsible for the start up of an effective and efficient Air Department Supply program. Meticulously outfitted 400 Sailors with critical supplies, parts and consumables while managing a budget of 175,000 in preparation for initial testing and delivery of PCU Gerald R Ford. His managerial skills enabled 60 sailors to be outfitted for six TAD underway periods contributing to mission readiness,
RECOGNIZED EXPERT. Hand selected to attend Advanced Arresting Gear Senior Leadership course furthering his technical expertise. Delivered 120 hours of instruction on legacy Arresting Gear and Catapult systems for 38 Sailors resulting in 15 advancements. Devoted 6 hours for Command INDOC for newly promoted Petty Officers.
COMMUNITY ORIENTED. Dedicated 40 volunteer hours to eight community events greatly enhancing relations between PCU Gerald R Ford and the local community.
EXPERT MANAGER-Her take charge attitude has led to 301 3M qualifications of seven new Sailors in four months, contributing to Air Department receiving a 92% overall score during CNAL 3M inspection. Her brilliant organizational skills as Assistant Divisional Career Counselor resulted in the command receiving an overall score of 96% during the CCC inspection. Aggressively completed 16 ALRE qualifications in an expedited manner, as well as requirements for essential shipboard watch stations, quickly surpassing 18 highly competitive First Classes and making her crucial to Air Department.
- As arresting gear assistant leading petty officer, ABE2 Bravo's outstanding technical skills and untiring efforts were instrumental in the completion of 255 preventative maintenance actions and 122 corrective maintenance actions. His efforts were crucial to the safe testing of the new F-35 Joint Strike fighter with 35 roll-in arrestments.
As building manager and galley cashier, while onboard Northwest annex, she demonstrated a superior commitment to continuous improvement of customer service. Petty Officer Ann's hard work and knowledge contributed to the five star accreditation earned by the BEQ. Her keen foresight and understanding of customer concerns resolved hundreds of trouble calls without cost to the Navy.