Photo By Cpl. Gabriel Velasquez | Gunnery Sgt. Wade M. Davis, crew chief, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 165...... read more read more
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Donning a pair of night vision goggles isn’t easy. The lack of depth perception, plus a grainy and fuzzy picture are just some of the difficulties an operator must overcome while trying to accomplish a mission.
A career milestone, Gunny Sgt. Wade M. Davis breached 1,000 flight hours wearing night vision goggles this week as crew chief in a CH-46E aboard amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu.
“He’s got more goggle hours then I do flight time,” says Capt. Ryan A. Ferrell, CH-46E flight line officer-in-charge, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 165 (Reinforced).
For many outside the aviation community the accomplishment may seem unimportant, but for those knowledgeable about the field, it’s a pretty big deal.
“[Night Vision Goggle] flying is the most demanding flying we do,” explained Lt. Col. Todd J. Oneto, commanding officer, HMM-165 (REIN). “Only a few other crew chiefs have amassed the type of hours he has, which are mostly hours done in operations,” added the 47-year-old Wallingford, Ct. native.
A humbled Davis explained how significant reaching the milestone really is.
“It’s a pretty big accomplishment and a lot of crew chiefs aspire to achieve it,” said Davis. “It’s a real struggle to balance day and night hours, and the balancing act itself is a significant achievement,” the 36-year-old Ogden, Utah, native added.
After breaking the 1,000-hour mark, Davis landed on the flight deck of Peleliu to a make-shift ceremony. Supplies on ship are limited, so Marines from his shop scrounged up what they could to celebrate.
“We wanted to get him a celebratory cake, but unfortunately all we could muster up was a whole lot of chocolate chip cookies,” said Oneto with a smile. “We had a great time nonetheless.”
Time in the spotlight is second nature for Davis. His list of achievements includes 2004 Marine Corp Times Marine of the Year and 2004 Marine Corps Aviation Association Enlisted Aircrewman of the Year.
Lance Cpl. Noah M. Brown, crew chief, HMM-165 (REIN), wasn’t surprised when he learned of Davis’ achievements.
“He’s always on top of everything,” explains Brown, the 20-year-old Santa Clarita, Calif., native. “[Davis] always makes sure what needs to get done gets done. If you need something he will get it for you. ‘I don’t know’ just isn’t in his vocabulary.”
His multiple deployments and time as an instructor are a big part of the reason GySgt Davis is well respected by his peers, subordinates, and superiors.
“He’s worked with a lot of these guys before,” explains Ferrell, the 28-year-old San Diego, Calif. native. “He has a lot of credit as an instructor and combat veteran.”
Ending up with the White Knights for his second tour wasn’t just coincidence; he was requested by the commanding officer himself.
“I worked with him on my 2nd tour with 165,” said Oneto. “I asked him if he would work for me if I ever commanded a squadron of my own.”
For Davis it was a welcome surprise.
“I had just gotten to my new squadron in Okinawa when I got an email from [Oneto],” said Davis with a smile. “He asked me to come so I did.”
The rest is history in the making. Being one month into a Western Pacific deployment with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Davis still has plenty of time to shoot toward his next goal, achieving 4000 regular flight hours.
“I’ve got about 3,600 regular hours right now, so I’ve got a bit to go,” said Davis.
Wherever Davis may go in the Marine Corps, he will leave a lasting impression with those he works with.
“He’s the finest enlisted man I’ve ever served with,” said Oneto. “The White Knights are very fortunate to have him. He’s a tremendous crew chief and Marine.”
| Date Taken: | 06.19.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 06.19.2010 17:12 |
| Story ID: | 51662 |
| Location: | AT SEA |
| Web Views: | 246 |
| Downloads: | 173 |
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