Silver anchors aweigh for the 'Liberty Bells'

For the second consecutive year, the Liberty Bells of VAW-115, Commanded by Cmdr. William Dubyak, have earned the CINCPACFLT Silver Anchor Award. This accolade recognizes the ship or squadron that reaches the second highest level of achievement in the areas of personnel advancement, education, career program management, and quality of life.

Permanently deployed to Atsugi, Japan, VAW-115 maintained a 72% retention rate and a 25% advancement rate, which is no small accomplishment considering the numerous challenges and obstacles that face an overseas unit.

Nevertheless, the chain of command ensured that all personnel were provided with the career information and professional advice they needed to make sound career decisions.

VAW-115's strong advancement and retention program was created through active participation between the Commanding Officer, Executive Officer, and the squadron's enlisted Sailors. Each new arrival is encouraged to mature, grow professionally, and remain career oriented through personal interviews and expert counsel with the Commanding Officer. This guidance spurs results.

"Skipper Dubyak is very interested in our progress and advancement," Aviation Structural Mechanic (Structures) 3rd Class Matthew Eberhard, from Duluth, Ga. said. "He encourages us to better ourselves." Eberhard was recently awarded a $5,000 selective re-enlistment bonus and orders to Non Destructive Inspection (NDI) school.

Sailors also receive support from other members of the squadon.

"All the chiefs help too," Eberhard said. "My division chief helped me get a recommendation for 'C' school and the maintenance chief talked with my detailer and got me the orders I needed."

Also working side by side with the Sailors, is the Command Master Chief, who bestows upon them his abundant experience gained while rising through the enlisted ranks.

"I feel my job here is to back our guys up in any way possible," Airframes Master Chief (AW) Bryan Morrison, VAW-115 Command Master Chief, and a native of Wichita, Kan said. "We want to see our sailors advance so they can earn more responsibility, pay, and professional knowledge."

In addition to regularly apprising the troops of advancement opportunities, Morrison maintains a career bulletin board and suggestion box to solicit ideas from the Sailors.

Other tools support the retention and advancement effort at VAW-115, such as the command Plan of the Day. This daily source of information helps to keep the Liberty Sailors abreast of all available opportunities, such as career counseling, special programs, and retention team meeting results.

Furthermore, the Command Career Counselor, Personnelman 1st Class Homer Navotas, from Cebu, Philippines releases "Career Talk," a monthly newsletter which increases the command's awareness of available career resources like officer programs and educational benefits.

According to Navotas, the goal of 'Career Talk' is to make our Sailors aware of the different officer and incentive programs offered by the Navy and to encourage them to apply.

"Judging by the number of applications received, I believe our message is getting through," Navotas said.

Finally, when a Sailor has demonstrated outstanding progress, his efforts are usually rendered during squadron 'quarters,' where he is presented his award in front of the entire squadron. This is perhaps the centerpiece of VAW-115's awards program.

Sailor of the Month, Junior Sailor of the Quarter, Sailor of the Year, and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation and Achievement Medals are also awarded to Sailors who have achieved exceptional performance. Awards such as these and others, like promotions, advancements, and re-enlistments, are conducted personally by the Commanding Officer with the service-member's family present.

The Liberty Bells have been awarded the Silver Anchor Award for implementing a variety of programs that aid Sailors in a range of ways. Whether it is training for advancement, schooling for further education, or recognition of superior performance, 'The Bells' have demonstrated for two consecutive years that Sailor support is a command priority.

Photo: PN1 Homer Navotas, VAW-115's Command Career Counselor, publishes 'Career Talk' monthly. Photo by: Lt. Mike Kibler