Spotlight AM1 Welch

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class David Krigbaum | KADENA, Japan (Mar. 3, 2022) Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Eric Welch, a native of Big Rapids, Mich. and assigned to Commander, Fleet Air Western Pacific Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Detachment Kadena stands for an environmental portrait on Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan Mar. 3, 2022. AIMD provides intermediate-level aircraft maintenance and support services to Naval Air Forces deployed to the Western Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class David R. Krigbaum)  

OKINAWA, JAPAN

03.24.2022

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class David Krigbaum 

Commander, Fleet Activities, Okinawa

Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Eric Welch is a native of Big Rapids,
Mich. and assigned to Commander, Fleet Air Western Pacific Aviation
Intermediate Maintenance Detachment Kadena on Kadena Air Base, Okinawa,
Japan. At this command he wears three hats, non-destructive inspection
technician, production control supervisor and career counselor. Between the
first two he has responsibilities for the command’s personnel and ensuring
that AIMD’s 13 work centers continue to provide quality ground equipment
support for the forward-deployed P-8 Poseidon and P-3 Orion multi-mission
maritime aircraft squadrons which conduct maritime patrol and reconnaissance
missions.
“I know that every day will be a challenge to ensure that the command is
doing everything we can to support our Navy’s squadrons that are deployed
here doing real-world missions to protect our country and its assets and
allies on a daily basis. Okinawa has a unique set of challenges due to the
location, environment, and op-tempo. I prepare myself for these daily
challenges by knowing that something unique will happen that day and the
trick is being able to figure out how we, as a team, can adapt, overcome,
and help make sure the squadrons can perform their missions.”
His other job is taking care of AIMD’s personnel as their command career
counselor. Command career counselors help Sailors with career
decision-making and evaluate how their personal experiences, skills and
interests can serve them and the naval service.
“I love the opportunity to help Sailors,” he said of career counseling.
“Every sailor has their own unique situation and story, and problems. It’s
rewarding some days, and some days it’s difficult because you don’t always
get to give the good news. But it has its ups and downs and makes you feel
good when you can help someone out with a situation that’s been dragging
them down.”
A situation dragging him down led to joining the Navy 18 years ago.
“I had spoiled some chances at college and knew the only way I would be
able to get money for college or not be waiting tables for the rest of my
life would be to join the military.”
He’s been on Okinawa for two years and loves what the island has to offer.
“I love Okinawa. The weather, culture and people, the beaches, it’s
beautiful. My girlfriend is Japanese and we’re planning on getting married.
When I retire I’m hoping to stay here.”

• Date Taken: 03.24.2022
• Date Posted: 03.24.2022 00:37
• Story ID: 417047
• Location: OKINAWA, JP
• Hometown: BIG RAPIDS, MI, US