59 new warfare specialists pinned by Rear Adm. Moore

Saturday evening on the forecastle, Rear Adm. Charles W. Moore, Jr., Battle Force FIFTH Fleet, amongst a crowd of onlookers, pinned 49 new Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialists and 10 Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialists from Independence and Carrier Air Wing FIVE.

"When you finish your Navy careers you will undoubtedly look back to this pinning on the oldest and finest (Independence) and say this is one of your most memorable experiences," Moore said. "It is this evening that you single yourselves out as true professionals above a group of professionals."

The ranks of Sailors receiving their pins varied from Seaman (E-3) to Senior Chief Petty Officer (E-8).

Yeoman Senior Chief (SW/AW) Ricky Banks, a native of Covington, Ga. began working on his ESWS book nine months ago. Already an EAWS, Banks wanted to be dual warfare qualified to become more familiar with the other intricacies of shipboard life.

"I wanted to show the younger Sailors it’s never too late," Banks said. "The thrill is worth all the hard work."

According to Banks, the warfare qualification programs on board are impressive because of the obvious pride that qualified warfare Sailors have in assisting others achieve their goals.

The statistics for warfare designators on board Indy have steadily increased.

"In 1995, 50 Sailors qualified; in 1996, 132 qualified, but now we are qualifying about 50 Sailors per month," Moore said.

With this steady rate of new warfare specialists, Independence and Carrier Air Wing FIVE are sure to see more ceremonies in the near future.

Lower Photo: PH3 (AW/SW) Kevin Reed was presented his ESWS pin by Rear Adm. Charles W. Moore, Jr. Reed was one of 49 Sailors that became an ESWS. (Photo By PHAN Brian Hoosack)