MILTON — Aviation Boatswain's Mates earned a clean sweep of Naval Air Station Whiting Field's recent Sailor of the Quarter award recognition.
The three sailors were chosen to represent the command as its top enlisted personnel for the second quarter of 2016.
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class David Hernandez, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Terrance Wever, and Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Jamey Ragsdale were selected for the Sailor of the Quarter, Junior Sailor of the Quarter, and Bluejacket of the Quarter, respectively.
Representatives from each of Naval Air Station Whiting Field’s divisions were present for board consideration.
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class David Hernandez
Hernandez was awarded Sailor of the Quarter by demonstrating superior leadership ability and working tirelessly for the Crash division and as the volunteer coordinator for the base.
In his duties as lead petty officer at Naval Outlying Landing Field Choctaw, he supervised 15 E28 arresting gear technicians’ actions, and five operational tests on the E28 Shore Based Arresting Gear and Improved Fresnel Lens Optical Landing System. Further, he dedicated 100 hours to reassembling and reconfiguring four electronic ignitions engines and clutch assemblies, bringing the equipment back into Fleet standards and improving their lifespan.
Hernandez also managed the setup and maintenance schedule for the Improved Fresnel Lens Optical Landing System, while providing expert insight on the Keensert Bolt Thread Installation project during the E28 runway construction meetings. He discovered nine incorrectly installed Keensert Bolt Thread Repair Fittings installed by SWEAT LLC, and the contracting agency.
Hernandez took control of a revamp of the supply system, using a budget of over $1,000,000 to support the E28 arresting gear reactivation. He handled the layout of all necessary equipment within the hangar so that it would flow from first to last component to be installed.
In addition to his normal duties, Hernandez served as the volunteer coordinator for NASWF. He was responsible for the collection of over 300 hours from 30 command volunteers, an achievement that played a large part in NASWF’s selection for the USS Bainbridge Award for Overall Excellence, among several other awards for volunteerism.
“As one of NAS Whiting Field’s strongest leading petty officers, he strictly adheres to the Navy core values of honor, courage, commitment to execute his mission smoothly and precisely,” a media release states.
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Terrance Wever
Wever, named the Junior Sailor of the Quarter, is a member of Fire and Emergency Services department.
He was responsible for training 102 firefighters. He managed and processed 73 departmental personnel training and certifications. Among those he trained were 18 fire captains, 15 emergency medical responders, 12 ARFF drivers, 13 fire instructors I, 10 fit test, 8 fire officers I, 5 EMTs, and three fire inspectors I.
Wever was responsible for nine fire stations operating at 100 percent manpower. Furthermore, because of Wever’s work, NASWF was recognized as the “Highest certified department in the F&ES Gulf Coast Region.” Additionally, he oversaw the input of 585 NIFRS reports and 56 training evolutions, for nine military fire stations with zero discrepancies.
“Petty Officer Wever is an unfailing manager who sets the standard in his command and the community … His tireless ‘Trailblazer’ spirit and unmatched expertise was instrumental in the refurbishment of the DoD certification process,” a media release states. “He is constantly sought after for guidance and advice by his peers and subordinates because of his unquestionable judgment and unwavering devotion to duty and to Sailors.”
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Jamey Ragsdale
Ragsdale received the Bluejacket of the Quarter. He is assigned to the Operations Department.
As an airfield specialist, Ragsdale ensured two primary airfields and six Navy Outlying Landing Fields were safe for flight operations. He personally performed 68 airfield inspections on four active fixed-wing runways, taxiways, and parking aprons. He also conducted 72 airfield checks on 67 helicopter pads and 38 helicopter landing spots at four NOLFs and two primary airfields.
Ragsdale also responded to 30 in-flight and ground emergencies, ensuring that all reportable damages were identified and reported to the Airfield Manager, Aviation Safety, and other appropriate organizations. These efforts reduced the time required to conduct repairs, thus reducing the time required to re-open airfields.
“Petty Officer Ragsdale is an ‘extraordinary’ Airfield Specialist!” a media release states. “His dedication to strict airfield inspection standards produces safe Navy Outlying Landing Fields for pilots to conduct their training. He presents a positive attitude every day that motivates others within the division.”
“I know I can't do it all on my own and I am grateful for the great team I have supporting me in the E-28 Arresting Gear Department,” Hernandez said. “I always try and set the example with hard work and dedication so I encourage my fellow sailors to always do their best and the rewards will come with time.”
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: NAS Whiting Field selects Sailors of the Quarter