GW Sailor guides peers to advancement

WATERS NEAR GUAM , AT SEA

09.15.2014

Courtesy Story

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73)

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chris Cavagnaro

WATERS NEAR GUAM - Aviation ordnancemen aboard the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) work and study tirelessly to advance to the next pay grade, but a small group aims to make the learning process a little less daunting with AO University classes.

Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Danielle Greene, from Charlotte, North Carolina, instituted the AO University program in July to help other AO’s gain professional knowledge and learn study techniques for the fall advancement exams.

“When you study for an advancement exam, it can be really overwhelming looking through all of the bibliographies,” said Greene. “But if you take it little by little, you’ll have a more firm grasp on the study material.”

Helping facilitate the process are Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Chaz Smith and Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Douglas Washington, who train on ordnance assembly, ammunition ashore and afloat, and launching stations during the 90-minute study sessions.

“I pull all of the material we cover directly from the bibliographies, and present the information in a fun and relaxed environment so it doesn’t really feel like studying,” said Greene. “My goal with AO University is to create an atmosphere that feels more like you’re studying with your friends after work rather than just reading material out of a book.”

The classes are held weekly while the ship is underway, or as necessary to accommodate Sailors who wish to attend.

“The classes have been very well received,” said Greene. “Approximately 25 to 30 Sailors show up to every class. The classes are a spoonful of knowledge, but it’s up to the Sailors to take a bite.”

Greene’s dedication to teaching was recognized by her chain of command during the time she spent as the G-3 division training petty officer for the Weapons department.

“She has volunteered her time and effort on a consistent basis in the service of others,” said Lt. Cmdr. Marcus Creighton, ordnance handling officer on George Washington. “These classes are an example of her giving freely, with no expectation of compensation of any sort. She’s working for the sake of others, and there aren’t nearly enough of us willing to do likewise.”

According to Creighton, the AO rating varies greatly from platform to platform and George Washington AO’s can benefit from learning other aspects of their chosen profession.

“When only exposed to the area in which they’re working, Sailors can lack general rating knowledge,” said Creighton. “Petty officer Greene is addressing these areas with AO University.”

Greene’s desire to help and teach others extends well beyond AO University.

“I would love to continue teaching and hopefully become an instructor,” said Greene. “If I don’t re-enlist, then I would love to become a teacher. It’s my passion to teach and I love every minute of it.”

George Washington and CVW 5 provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

• Date Taken: 09.15.2014
• Date Posted: 09.15.2014 06:00
• Story ID: 142146
• Location: WATERS NEAR GUAM , AT SEA
• Hometown: CHARLOTTE, NC, US