Courtesy Photo | A graphic, created July 29, 2013, in Newport News, Va., depicts the official crest of...... read more read more
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“It feels good to have it knocked out,” Fire Controlman 3rd Class Ronald Martin, Pontiac, Mich. native and newly pinned Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS). “But Iknow the journey does not stop here. I have much more to accomplish in the next few years.”
Martin deployed last November with the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79)to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations. It was his second underway with the ship. The month prior, he had joined them as they participated in Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) 2014 with the Theodore Roosevelt Strike Group to conduct maritime security operations and provide theater security cooperation efforts.
Martin had gone on temporary assignment to Austin as they tested the mission-readiness of the ship during COMTUEX with a volley of training scenarios and simulated surface, air, undersea, strike and electronic attacks. His motivation and work ethic did not go unnoticed.
“The (Oscar Austin) chain of command was so impressed with Martin’s system knowledge and work ethic that they contacted CVN-78’s Combat Systems Department about the possibility of Martin deploying with them,” explained Chief Fire Controlman Eric Schrotberger, Martin’s supervisor on Ford. “[He] displays leadership qualities not normally found in junior petty officers. Martin embodies the spirit of “Integrity
at the Helm” and is an inspiration to peers and subordinates alike.”
The second time Martin boarded Oscar Austin, however, his drive and commitment to service kicked into overdrive.
“As soon as he got here, FC3 Martin hit the ground running with qualifications and eagerness to learn,” said Oscar Austin Sailor Fire Controlman 2nd Class Cody Emmons. “He has been an invaluable asset to us. I’m confident in saying that he will leave here with a bountiful amount of knowledge to share with his work center upon his return.”
The ESWS qualification designation is an important milestone in any Sailor’s career. It signifies a high level of proficiency on surface platforms, and the ability to “fight the ship.” As a Sailor only temporarily assigned to Austin, however, Martin was under no obligation to make that qualification a priority. The fact that he did demonstrated his commitment to professional development and becoming an asset across several platforms. When Martin was pinned on April 16, he also became the first one in his family to earn that qualification.
“My sister is extremely proud of me for getting my pin because she regrets not getting it when she was still in the Navy,” said Martin, who said his sister, a 5-year Navy veteran strongly influenced his decision to join.
“I originally wanted to join the Marines, but my sister was not having it. She wanted me to talk to a Navy recruiter,” said Martin. “Having a cousin join the Marines after I had joined the Navy and hearing his experiences in the Marines, I think I chose right.”
| Date Taken: | 04.29.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 04.03.2016 20:17 |
| Story ID: | 194238 |
| Location: | NEWPORT NEWS, VA, US |
| Web Views: | 66 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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