Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Theoplis Stewart II | Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Michael Fitz, from Trenton, New Jersey, leading petty...... read more read more
Machinist’s Mate Nuclear 1st Class (MMN1) Michael Fitz, from New Jersey, leading petty officer (LPO) of the Reactor Mechanical (RM) Division aboard the pre-commissioning aircraft carrier JOHN F. KENNEDY (CVN 79), has forged a new division tradition that fuses leadership, training, and a morale-boosting legacy.
A nuclear-trained machinist’s mate who advanced through the Navy’s rigorous technical pipeline, Fitz earned successive qualifications and was selected for the LPO role because he combines deep engineering knowledge with a commitment to mentorship. In the Navy, an LPO is typically a first-class petty officer selected for their leadership and technical skills, serving as the “go-to” person in a work center. Fitz, who completed Nuclear Power School and prototype reactor training like all MMNs, says he actively pursued leadership roles to help junior Sailors navigate those same challenges.
Fitz emphasizes that balance of accountability and support in RM Division, where he ensures Sailors stay on track to earn critical qualifications (quals) while keeping both the team and leadership aligned. His path to division LPO mirrors the gradual responsibility Sailors assume in the nuclear community. His career has progressed in tandem with a Ford-class carrier preparing for its first operations. Every qualification counts, and Fitz has found a way to make one of the most significant quals unforgettable.
The Championship Belt Innovation
Earning the Engineroom Supervisor qualification is a rite of passage in RM Division. It certifies a Sailor to supervise the ship’s propulsion systems and machinery during watch, granting an advanced level of trust and responsibility. Fitz saw this moment as the perfect opportunity to motivate his team. Instead of a paper certificate, he introduced a large, custom-designed championship belt awarded to each Sailor who completes the qualification. While the Engineroom Supervisor qual is already a mark of pride, the belt transforms it into a high-visibility symbol of excellence. Fitz explains that as RM Division ramps up for JOHN F. KENNEDY’s initial reactor tests, qualifications like this one become critical goals. “Engineroom Supervisor” is the top of the watch standing ladder, and now, it comes with its own reward. The belt ceremonies will be brief but meaningful. When a Sailor qualifies, Fitz gathers the division. The previous belt holder removes the strap and, amid cheers and applause, the new Engineroom Supervisor is presented with the award. The event is photographed and celebrated, turning a demanding qualification into a lasting memory. Fitz says the goal is to create an aspirational culture: younger Sailors see the gleaming belt and “want to be the one wearing it next.” In doing so, the crew reinforces its core values, honor, courage, commitment, and renews their connection to the Kennedy legacy.
Design and Impact
The belt was inspired by professional wrestling titles. Fitz and a group of RM petty officers collaborated on the design, which features the words “Undisputed Engineroom Supervisor” and a small “Team Courage” emblem, echoing JOHN F. KENNEDY’s motto: Serve with Courage. Reactor Officer Capt. Michael A. Sammataro praised the initiative: “I think this sort of ownership, esprit de corps, and pride in their contribution to the ship’s mission is exemplary. My hope is that it inspires other divisional leadership, in and out of Reactor, to do the same sort of stuff.”
Q&A: Fitz on Leadership and the Belt
Q: What inspired you to start the Engine Supervisor belt tradition?
Fitz: “I wanted to do something fun to recognize what’s normally a pretty tough milestone. I’ve seen other units pass around coins or knives, but I’m a former amateur wrestler—so I thought, why not a championship belt? When a Sailor finishes the qual and walks away with that belt, you see how proud they are. They earned it by studying, standing watch, and doing the work. The whole division gets to see that. It creates energy.”
Q: Who or what has influenced your leadership style?
Fitz: “I’ve been lucky to have great mentors—chiefs and senior first classes—who taught me what it means to lead. They didn’t just give orders; they taught. I also pull from my wrestling background: discipline, respect, and pushing your limits. And I’ve had division chiefs who challenged me to be better every day. That left a mark.”
Q: How do you see your role as LPO in the Reactor Mechanical Division?
Fitz: “My job is to set the pace and set the standard. That means making sure Sailors get qualified, helping build the training plans, and acting as a bridge between the crew and the khaki. We’re still in pre-commissioning, so a lot of what we’re doing is new—there’s testing, shift work, and contractor coordination. But the core of it is the same: take care of your people, and they’ll take care of the mission.”
Q: Why are traditions like this important to you?
Fitz: “Traditions build culture. The Navy has a ton of customs, but we can make new ones that reflect who we are right now. This belt does that. It says, ‘You did something great. We see you. We respect you.’ That creates pride, motivation, and ultimately, a stronger team.”
Tradition and Mission Alignment
Fitz’s initiative reflects a growing emphasis on culture-building as part of mission readiness. The belt ceremony reinforces those values through peer recognition and division pride. Each time a Sailor earns the Engineroom Supervisor title, RM Division becomes stronger. Each time the belt is passed down, it reaffirms the division’s identity as a team that works hard, trains harder, and celebrates excellence. By blending technical excellence with esprit de corps, Fitz’s story highlights Sailor development at its core. It shows how a division can raise each member’s sightlines by celebrating hard-won skills. It also reinforces that even lighthearted traditions serve a serious purpose: ensuring RM Division stays sharp for reactor tests and future underway training. In doing so, Fitz exemplifies the Navy principle that strong leadership and innovation go hand-in-hand. Our Sailors are our most valuable resource and Fitz is making sure each Sailor feels that, one championship belt at a time.
| Date Taken: | 07.16.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 07.16.2025 20:30 |
| Story ID: | 542944 |
| Location: | NEWPORT NEWS, VIRGINIA, US |
| Hometown: | TRENTON, NEW JERSEY, US |
| Web Views: | 412 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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