Photo By Cpl. R. J. Driver | David Moore, the airfield operations manager with Headquarters and Headquarters...... read more read more
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On Sept. 24, the Air Station bid farewell to a member of the Fightertown family who has been here for 25 years.
David Moore, the airfield operations manager with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, has gone somewhere no man has gone by being the first civilian airfield operations manager hired by the Marine Corps a position he has held for the last 25 years. Moore served 22 active-duty years in the Marine Corps, retiring as a master gunnery sergeant in the aviation operations specialist field.
"When I was hired, things were a lot different," Moore said. "There were far less civilians working for the military than there are now. Therefore, I was very much a stranger in a strange position, but I had no problem adapting.
"There was no major change in working as a civilian for me," Moore continued. "The only difference to me is that I don't have to wear a uniform anymore, but the same, basic principles apply."
Whether an individual has been on a job two years or 20 years, walking away from a position can be difficult. According to Moore, the interaction and camaraderie between one another to complete the mission lingers in the minds of those that leave.
"That's what I'm going to miss the most," Moore said. "The interaction with people to accomplish the day-to-day mission that I have become so much a part of over the years made the job enjoyable."
"Moore has been a fixture on the Air Station for more than 26 years," said Lt. Col. Erik Christensen, the operations officer with H&HS. "Almost everyone knows who he is, and he has been a vital role with the progression of the flight line as it pertains to the Air Station."
Moore and his 40 years of experience in his field will be hard to replace, according to Christensen.
"Moore is a highly competent professional who takes all aspects of his work seriously. Merritt Field's high state of readiness is due, in no small measure, to his direct efforts," said Mark Hamilton. "His vision, guidance and oversight with regard to the many projects that have either been planned or completed during his tenure as the airfield manager during the last 25 years have provided Beaufort's tenant commands with an efficient, capable and flexible training platform.
"Additionally, as a retired master gunnery sergeant he has continued to lead the Marines attached to airfield operations," Hamilton added.
Whether Moore was leading the Marines or improving the flight line, he continued to be an innovator aboard the Air Station.
"He has seen aircraft come and go since he has been here," Christensen said. "From improving the airfield, to ensuring fuel pits are up to par, he makes it all happen. Every aircraft that has been through here, he has made it happen."
Now that Moore is retiring, he wishes to enjoy time traveling, boating and camping out with his family. It is something he hasn't been able to do as much as he wanted to, according to Moore.
"The Marine Corps has been served well by Moore; his degree of airfield knowledge, experience and much in need of body work red truck, will be missed at base operations," Hamilton said.
| Date Taken: | 09.24.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 09.24.2009 11:41 |
| Story ID: | 39213 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 442 |
| Downloads: | 410 |
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