Caption Capt. Mark Milliken (left) congratulates AO3(AW) Charles Weccele, Petty Officer of the Month. Photo by: PHAN Chris Howell

Independence's Sailor and Petty Officer for the month of September were recently named by Capt. Mark R. Milliken, Indy's Commanding Officer.

Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Franklin Beal, a native of Saint George, Utah and AO3(AW) Charles Weccele, from Oak Forest, Ill. were awarded the honor of Sailor and Petty Officer of the Month, respectively. Both Sailors were presented the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal in Hangar Bay One.

Beal, who has been on board for a year and a half, works in G-3 division were he performs maintenance and repairs to the weapons elevators.

"He's one of the most reliable Airman that works for me," said Electrician's Mate (SW/AW) 1st class Ramil Reyes, G-4 shop workcenter supervisor. "I can always count on him to do his job with the utmost professionalism."

Caption AOAN Franklin Beal, Sailor of the Month, mans the phones by a weapons elevator near the aft galley. Photo by JOSN Jason Moore

"I enjoy my job because I play an important part in maintaining operational readiness of the ship," said Beal. He added that he is putting together a package to attend the 14 month Explosive Ordnance Disposal school.

AO3(AW) Weccele is the Supply and Berthing Petty Officer for the G-3 division of Weapons Department.

"He's a very meticulous worker," said AO1 (AW) Albert Dorcas G-3 LPO, a native of Augusta, Ga. "He improves quality of life for over 135 Sailors by assuring the Weapons berthing is cleaned and maintained."

"It feels good to be recognized," said Weccele. "It shows that people do see the hard work I do."

Although this is a big achievement for Weccele, he's not stopping here. He's currently taking Program Afloat for College Education courses and is pursing his Surface Warfare Qualification.

Beal was chosen the best of 1,200 Sailors who were eligible to win while Weccele was selected out of 600 Petty Officers.