File - Aviation Boatswain`s Mates association

Aviation Boatswain’s
Mates Association
I am convinced, Our Father, that your fondest feelings are reserved
for the least pretentious and most genuine of us.
I am sure that Aviation Boatswain’s Mates are some of your favorites.
Certainly Aviation Boatswain’s Mates have yet to find the virtues of
humility, or soft-spokenness or gentleness…
They do lead with their jaws….
And they always seem to be more ready to fight than to switch.
They can be singled out by their red eyes,
and by a grubbiness, which is a mark of their trade.
But their wills match their strong backs...
And their love of each other is a wondrous thing to behold.
They are the salt of the deck…
And the saltiness is honest and open…
And they are uniquely Your sons. We are grateful for them…
As you love them specially, we mark them particularly tonight.
Bless them every one…
And forever keep them from harm and hurt…
In Christ’s name, Amen.
R. W. Bedingfield, Chaplain (USN)
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Prepared by Eagle Systems, Inc.
22560 Epic Drive
California, MD 20619
(301) 863-2453
WELCOME ABOARD
FROM THE AB’S OF THE GREAT NORTHWEST
Welcome to the Great Northwest, we are honored to once again host shipmates and
fellow AB's, their families and all persons associated with the business of flight deck
operations to this 37th Annual Professional Working Group Conference and Symposium. From those that laid the foundation and provided a setting for all AB's, Airman to
Captain, to voice their problems, receive solutions and suggestions face to face as a
group. Engineers, Type Commanders, NAVAIR and the list goes on, Thank you!!! I
think past and present, the best way to make change and come up with bright new ideas
is to listen to the people that are in the pump rooms, that are working the flight deck and
are in the catapult and arresting gear spaces, with new equipment and aircraft we have
new problems, who better to tell us about those problems and provide inputs than the
people that are working them. I hear from the past and present AB'S that we provide
the problems and solutions and all we hear is "NO FUNDING", all I can say to that is,
the squeaky wheel gets the oil, keep bringing it up or you will be stuck with the way it
is. If only one idea or change this symposium improves the reliability of the equipment
or makes life easier in the fleet, I will be happy. I guess when you get old it does not
take much to be pleased.
The Northwest home to the mighty warships, Stennis and Lincoln and shore facilities
Bremerton Hospital and NAS Whidbey Island and the regions finest AB Families afloat
and ashore unite to provide you with a touch of God's country without the rain, we
hope. Everyone involved has worked hard to provide you with a programmed agenda
and event that we hope you will enjoy and long remember.
The ABMA wishes to thank the Industrial Community, Naval Agencies and individuals
whose contributions have made us the pride of the fleet and this symposium possible.
The management and staff of the Silverdale Beach Hotel has bent over backward in
support and are eager to serve the US Navy and our organization. We owe them our
gratitude and respect by showing them the same courtesy.
Sincerely
Harold Wiese
ABMA 2007 Chairman
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As long as we have gone to sea
With names like Wasp and Kennedy
Upon our decks have stood a breed
A band of brothers with “can
“can--do” creed
They toil and run upon our roofs
They talk with wands and mouse to shoot
They dress in different colors bold
But yet their story’s seldom told
They own our mighty catapults
Tractors, gear, and fuel to suit
They run the engines in our skin
To launch our toys when wars begin
They eat from boxes during chow
That’s if our flight schedules allow
They sleep in stuffy lockers full
On huffers, deuces, catwalks too
Their names have seldom made the press
For fighting fires in battle dress
Their efforts saved our Forrestal
For that and more we owe them all
And now we hear the winds of change
Of smaller ships as budgets strain
Some heard the words magnetic cats
We wonder where our future’s at
But as long as ships are sent to sea
To launch their planes for liberty
We know that you shall never see
A Sailor called the last AB
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2006/2007 ABMA SECURED FLIGHT QUARTERS
“We, who remain to carry on, should not think of our shipmates as
departed from us, but rather as having been transferred to a celestial
ship or station, where we hope all of us may be shipmates again.”
ABMA MEMBER & ABCS RETIRED MAURICE E. LANGLEY
ABEC VIVA J. RIVERS
ABMA LIFE MEMBER & AB2 HOWARD C. HOXSIE
ABMA MEMBER & ABH1 WARREN R. SHANNON
ABMA LIFE MEMBER & ABFC RETIRED JAMES H. BERRY
ABHC JAMES R. BAIN
ABMA MEMBER & ABHCS RETIRED PAUL CARTER
We unite to form the AVIATION BOATSWAIN’S MATES ASSOCIATION
DEDICATED:
! To stimulate and perpetuate love of country our Flag, and our Navy;
! To defend the honor, integrity, and supremacy of our national government
and the Constitution of the United States;
! To support, develop, encourage, foster, and stimulate Naval Aviation
Safety in the “Aircraft-on-Deck” mode (touchdown to takeoff);
! To aid past and present Aviation Boatswain’s Mates of the United States
Navy from which our members are drawn, and their dependents and
survivors in every proper and legitimate matter;
! To present the best interests and rights of Aviation Boatswain’s Mates to
proper authority when appropriate.
ABMA MEMBER, PLANKOWNER & CWO4 RETIRED WESLEY HAMILTON
ABMA LIFE MEMBER & CWO3 RETIRED JAMES E. WALSH, JR.
ABMA LIFE MEMBER & ABCM RETIRED ROBERT J. FLANAGAN
ABMA LIFE MEMBER & ABHC RETIRED ROBERT W. HOOD, JR.
ABMA LIFE MEMBER TOMMIE JOHNSON
ABMA LIFE MEMBER & ABCS RETIRED DAVID R. OLSEN
ABMA PLANKOWNER & LIFE MEMBER ABEC RETIRED NORMAN D.
PIERSON
ABHC GEORGE W. ROYAL
MARGO ROMACK, BELOVED WIFE OF ABMA LIFE ASSOCIATE
MEMBER & PLANKOWNER, MARVIN ROMACK
ABH1 DONALD L. NORTON
ABH1 HERBERT L. DOBBINS
ABE1 WILLIAM R. MATHERS
ABFC RAYMOND H. OVEL
ABE1 ERVIN ROELKE
The U.S. Navy "Blue Angels" fly over the Battle of Midway
commemoration ceremony at the Center for Information
Dominance (CID) Corry Station. Nine veterans of the Battle of
Midway joined hundreds of CID Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen,
Marines, Coast Guardsmen and guests in the commemoration,
held annually to celebrate the decisive victory at Midway.
ABH1 ALBERT UDELL
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3
37th Annual
Aviation Boatswain’s Mates Association
Symposium/ Professional Working Group
Hosted by:
AB’s of the Northwest
Held at the
Silverdale Hotel
Silverdale, WA
PLAN OF THE WEEK
Uniform of the Day
Active Duty: Summer Whites
Retirees/Civilians: Appropriate Civilian Attire
Uniform of the Day required:
Opening and Closing Ceremonies
Guest Speakers
Flight Quarters
Workshops:
Proper civilian attire encouraged for all hands
“The statements and views made by all guest speakers and attendees are the
responsibility of the individual and are not to be construed as those of the
ABMA nor endorsed by any of its officers.”
Sat/Sun, 28/29 July
Vendor Staging, Silverdale Hotel
Monday, 30 July
Travel Day/Open
0700
0800-2200
1200-1700
1730-2300
AB’s of the Northwest Meeting
Vendor Set-up Admiral Ballroom
Registration/Membership
No-Host Cocktails in Hotel Bar
Tuesday, 31 July
4
0700
0730
0730
AB’s of the Northwest Meeting
Registration/Membership/Event Sales
Board of Directors Meeting
Notes
________
________
________
________
________
________
________
________
________
________
________
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2007 ABMA Planning Staff
Chair Person:
LCDR (Ret) Jurgen Weise
Co/Chair Persons:
LT (Ret) Mike Yaskin
LCDR (Ret) David Deese
Hospitality Room:
"Bubba" Post
ABCM (Ret) Tom Huffman/ABHC
Picnic:
ABCS (Ret) Odie Kennedy
Golf Tournament:
LCDR (Ret) David Deese
Transportation:
Thornton (CVN74)
LCDR (Ret) Harold Wiese/LCDR
Color Guard:
Naval Base Kitsap (Tentative)
Side Boys:
(CVN74)
Ladies Entertainment:
Pat Wiese
Cathy Yaskin
Program:
Eagle Systems Inc
Industrial Vendor Displays:
LCDR (Ret) David Deese
National Vendor Coordinator:
ABHC (Ret) Keith Burt
Retired Workshops:
ABCS (Ret) Odie Kennedy
Merchandise Sales:
LT (Ret) Mike Yaskin
Banquet:
Cathy Yaskin
Special Projects:
TBD
AB Workshop Coordinator:
Ernie Jones (CAFSU Ret)
Tuesday, 31 July Continued
0800
1030-1200
1200
1200-1215
1200
1215-1230
1230-1300
1300-1430
1445-1500
1500-1600
1600
1630-1800
1800-2200
Wednesday, 01 August
0700
0730
0800
0815-0830
0815
0830-0930
0930-0945
0945-1030
1000
1000
1015
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FLIGHT QUARTERS, All hands to muster
- Welcome aboard, LCDR (Ret) "Harold Wiese"
- Introductions, Symposium Staff members
- Introductions, Hotel Staff
- Introduction of ABMA President,
CDR R. D. Jones
- Introduction of Board of Directors
- Introduction of CNAF East/West AB's of the Year
- Oldest and Youngest AB's present
- Nominations and Election Procedures,
Open for Nominations
- Vendor Recognition and Plaque Presentation
Lunch/Tour Vendor Exhibits
FLIGHT QUARTERS - All hands
Admin/Opening remarks/Nominations
Muster Side Boys and Honor Guard with Duty AB
Presidents Call to Order, Parade the Colors,
Invocation (ABMA Chaplain)
Vice Commander Naval Air Warfare Center AD
CAPT M. Scassero
General Atomics
PMA-251 Introductions/Workshop Procedures:
CDR (Sel) S. Whalen/LT T. Edgeworth
Board of Directors Meeting
Secure From Flight Quarters
Vendor/BOD Social in Hospitality Room
Hospitality Room Open - Last Call 2145
(Times should be per SOP)
AB’s of the Northwest meeting
Registration, Membership, Event Sales
FLIGHT QUARTERS - All hands
Presidents Call to Order/Announcements/
Nominations
Side Boys and Honor Guard (muster with Duty AB)
Guest Speaker: Capt S. Rorke
(NAVAIR PMA 251)
Tour Announcements/Break
CCD Speaker (CMDCM Penton)
Retirees muster in main lobby for workshop
Ladies muster in main lobby for Seattle Tour/
Shopping
Transportation departs for ladies
5
Wednesday, 01 August Continued
1015
1030-1100
1100-1230
1230-1600
1230-1400
1400-1600
1600
1800-2230
1800-2300
1800-2200
Transportation departs for retirees
Nominations Open
Lunch/Tour Vendor Exhibits
Convene Workshops
SABOAG Meeting
Board of Directors (BOD) meeting
Secure from Flight Quarters
Muster/Depart for Blake Island Salmon Trip
Muster/Bus Departs for Casino Night (Clear Water)
Hospitality Room Open - Last Call 2145
Thursday, 02 August
0700
0700
0730
0800
0815-0845
0845-0915
0915-0945
0945-1000
1000-1100
1100-1115
1100
1115
1115-1245
1245-1600
1245-1600
1245-1600
1600
1800-2200
1830-2130
Golf Tournament musters in main lobby
AB’s of the Northwest meeting
Membership, Event Sales
FLIGHT QUARTERS, All hands to muster
Presidents call to order/Announcements/
Nominations
AB Enlisted Detailer Briefs
Guest Speaker: Lockheed Martin (JSF)
Mr. Tom Burbage
Break
Guest Speaker: NAVAIR ADMACS
Mr. Mike Jones
Announcements/Nominations Open
Ladies muster in main lobby for luncheon
Transportation departs for ladies
Lunch/Tour Vendor Exhibits
Convene Workshops
AB Detailer Private Scheduled Sessions (TBD)
Board of Directors Meeting
Secure from Flight Quarters
Hospitality Room Open - Last Call 2145
Muster/Depart for Harbor Cruise
Friday, 03 August
0700
0730
0800
0800-0900
0900-0930
0930-1130
6
ABs of the Northwest meeting
Membership, Event Sales
FLIGHT QUARTERS, All hands to muster
Presidents Call to Order/Announcements
Workshop Summaries: Workshop Coordinators
Nominations Closed/Elections of 2007-2008
Officers
Recognition Awards
Air Dept Battle "E"
ABMA Recruiters of the year
RICHARD D. JONES, SR.
COMMANDER
UNITED STATES NAVY
Commander Richard D Jones was born
in Philadelphia, Pa. and joined the Navy
in 1976 as an undesignated airman. Following recruit and airman fundamentals
training, he joined the “Red Checker
Tails” of VF-24 as a plane captain.
While deployed on USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64), Commander Jones “seen
the light” and completed requirements
for assignment to V-2 Division and launched his career as an Aviation Boatswains Mate.
Shortly after completion of his first deployment, he cross-decked to
USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67) in 1978, followed by shore duty at Naval Support Activity Philadelphia, PA. He returned to sea April 1982 and
completed successive tours on USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) and USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71). It was during this tour that he would earn
the distinction of being named the Atlantic Fleet Aviation Boatswains Mate
of the Year for 1987, promote to Chief Petty Officer and earn a commission
in 1989 as an Aviation Deck Limited Duty Officer.
Duty assignments include ALRE Maintenance Officer on USS
MIDWAY (CV 41), Officer In Charge of Naval Auxiliary Landing Field
FENTRESS/NAS Oceana, Catapult Test Team Officer/ALRE Maintenance
Officer on USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74), Officer-In-Charge of Naval
Air Technical Training Center Detachment Lakehurst, NJ, Aircraft Handling
Officer on USS HARRY S TRUMAN (CVN 75), Assistant CVN Projects
Officer at SUPSHIP Newport News VA and Executive Officer for the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit Norfolk, VA.
Commander Jones has participated in numerous operations and
campaigns including Desert Shield, Desert Storm and Operations Enduring
Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. His personal decorations are numerous and
include the Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), Navy Commendation
Medal (6 awards), Navy Achievement Medal and various unit, campaign and
service awards. He is a life member of the Aviation Boatswains Mates Association and is the sitting National President.
He is married to the former Debra L. Haydel of Philadelphia, PA.
They have three children; Aja, R.D. Jr., and Brandon, and currently reside in
Chesapeake VA.
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GERALD L. HOEWING
VICE ADMIRAL (RET)
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE
OFFICER, NAVALL AVIATION MUSEUM
FOUNDATIONS, INC
Vice Admiral Gerald L. Hoewing is the 53rd Chief of Naval
Personnel. A native of Keokuk, Iowa, Vice Adm. Hoewing
graduated from Iowa State University with a bachelor of
science degree. He received his commission in May 1971
through the NROTC Scholarship Program and was designated a Naval Aviator in August 1972.
Vice Adm. Hoewing received initial Fleet Replacement Pilot
training in the A-7E Corsair II light attack aircraft at NAS
Lemoore, Calif., and served with Attack Squadrons One FortySeven, One Twenty-Two and Ninety-Four, completing several western Pacific deployments in USS
Constellation (CV 64) and USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). In December 1980, he reported to Air Test and
Evaluation Squadron Five at Naval Weapons Center, China Lake, Calif., where he served as Operational
Test Director for the F/A-18 Hornet Operational Evaluation.
Following A-7E and F-14 refresher training, Vice Adm. Hoewing was assigned as Carrier Air Wing SIX
Operations Officer, where he completed three Mediterranean/Indian Ocean deployments onboard USS
Independence (CV 62) and USS Forrestal (CV 59). After graduating from the National War College in
1987, he reported as Executive Officer of Strike Fighter Squadron Eighty-One and assumed command of
the "Sunliners" in May 1989, where he deployed aboard USS Saratoga (CV 60) during Operation Desert
Shield.
Friday, 03 August Continued
0930-1130
1115
1130
1230-1600
1230-1430
Awards Banquet
1700-1800
1830
1900-1945
1945
2045
Following his squadron command tour, Vice Adm. Hoewing served at the Bureau of Naval Personnel as
Aviation LCDR/Junior Officer Assignment Branch Head. In January 1993 he assumed command of the
fast combat logistics support ship USS Seattle (AOE 3), where he deployed to the Mediterranean in support of the USS Theodore Roosevelt Battle Group. In January 1995 he became the 20th Commanding
Officer of USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67). He then served as the Senior Military Assistant to the Under
Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness in Washington, D.C.
Vice Adm. Hoewing's first Flag Officer assignment was as the Assistant Commander for Distribution
(PERS-4), Navy Personnel Command, where he was responsible for the assignment of more than 370,000
Navy men and women. He assumed command of Carrier Group SEVEN embarked in USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) in October 1999 and completed a highly successful deployment to the western Pacific and
Arabian Gulf. He commanded the Navy Personnel Command from September 2000 through September
2002.
On 1 October 2002, Vice Adm. Hoewing assumed the duties of Chief of Naval Personnel/Deputy Chief
of Naval Operations (Manpower & Personnel)), and on 1 July 2005, he assumed additional responsibilities for Navy Training and Education. In this position, Vice Adm. Hoewing is responsible for the planning and programming of all manpower, personnel, training and education resources, budgeting for Navy
personnel, developing systems to manage total force manpower and personnel resources, and the assignment of Navy personnel.
Vice Adm. Hoewing plans and directs the procurement, distribution, administration, and career motivation of personnel in the active and reserve Navy, coordinates and controls professional standards criteria,
directs manpower and personnel research and development to improve individual and organizational
performance, and leads the development and implementation of service-wide programs for improved
human relations and Quality of Life.
He is authorized to wear the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of
Merit with three Gold Stars, Meritorious Service Medal with two Gold Stars, Navy Commendation
Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and various campaign and service awards.
18
New Presidents Acceptance Speech
2007 ABMA Symposium Out brief
(NAVAIR PMA251F)
2007 ABMA Treasurer Report
Honor Guard Muster with duty AB
Closing Ceremonies, Retire the Colors,
Benediction
Secure from Flight Quarters
AB Detailer Private Scheduled Sessions (TBD)
Final Board of Directors Meeting
2100-2400
No Host Cocktails, Cruise Book Photographs
Presidents Call to Order, Introductions
Head table, Guest Speaker/2007 Officers
Invocation - Chaplain
Guest Speaker: VADM (Ret)
Gerry Hoewing
Dinner
Introduction of Symposium Hosts
AB's of the NW
CVN72/CVN74
NS Bremerton
Silverdale Hotel
Past AB's of the year
2007 AB of the year (Pacific/Atlantic)
Scholarship Award Recipient (Lanny Vines)
Youngest/Oldest ABMA member present
ABMA Living Legends
2007 Living Legend
Past Presidents
2006/2007 Past President Reflections
New President Remarks
Eternal Flight Quarters and Final Flight
Quarters (Stoney Burke)
Entertainment/Dancing
SATURDAY, 04 August
0900
1100-1700
ABs of the Northwest meeting
ABMA Picnic, Camp McKean,
Bremerton MWR Area, Kitsap Lake
BBQ, Swimming, water boating,
Horse shoes, Games
Family and Friends Welcome
7
2007 Symposium Vendors List
MICHAEL JONES
NORTHROP GRUMMAN NEWPORT NEWS
AMERICAN SAFETY
SHIELD TECHNOLOGIES CORP
GAMMON TECH. PRODS
HELLAN STRAINER CO
DESCO MFG. CO. INC
AMSEC, LLC
AMETEK, INC
RAYCO SUPPLY INC
BLACKMER
EYE SAFETY SYSTEMS, INC
ELSCO INTL
EATON AREOSPACE, CONVEYANCE SYSTEMS DIVISION,
CARTERGROUND FUELING
GENERAL ATOMICS
TOTAL FIRE GROUP
FISHER SAFETY (DIV. OF THERMO
FISHER SCIENTIFIC)
POWER HAWK TECHNOLOGIES, INC
CLA-VAL
POTOMAC FIELD GEAR
A special thanks goes out to
all of you who help support
our symposium each year.
-The AB’s
Supporting Commands/Organizations
Naval Air Systems Command
Commander Naval Air Forces
Commander Naval Surface Forces
Naval Base Kitsap
Fleet Reserve Association (Bremerton)
American Legion (Bremerton)
Honorable Mention
USS John C. Stennis (CVN74)
USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN72)
Silverdale Beach Hotel
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2007 AVIATION BOATSWAIN'S MATES OF THE YEAR
C.T. BURBAGE
LOCKHEED MARTIN AERONAUTICS COMPANY
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL
MANAGER
F-35 JSF PROGRAM INTEGRATION
ATLANTIC FLEET
ABF1 (AW) Jacob Muehls
Saavedra
PACIFIC FLEET
ABF1 (AW/SW) Roberto
PREVIOUS AVIATION BOATSWAIN'S MATES OF THE YEAR
Tom Burbage is the Executive Vice President and General
Manager, Joint Strike Fighter Program Integration. He is
responsible for developing and implementing the multinational F-35 Production and Global Sustainment elements of the JSF Program. He was the Executive Vice
President and General Manager, Joint Strike Fighter from
August of 2000 until assuming his current assignment in November 0f 2004.
1976
Mr. Burbage joined Lockheed Martin in 1980 in the business development branch and later
became manager of business development for U.S. government programs at the Lockheed
California Company operations in Burbank, California. In December 1987, he was appointed
vice president for Washington operations and coordinated the company’s relationships with
the Department of Defense and the U.S. Congress, as well as the embassies of foreign governments. He restructured and streamlined the Washington Operations group and recorded
the highest annual performance in the Congressional budget cycle in the history of LM Aeronautics. He then moved to Marietta, Georgia, in 1990 as vice president for Business Development and Product Support at Aeronautical Systems. During his tenure, LM Aero launched
several new initiatives including C-130J, C-27J, C-5AMP and RERP.
1984
Mr. Burbage was named vice president and AFX program manager in 1992 and vice president and general manager for Navy Programs in 1994. In 1995 he assumed the duties of Vice
President and General Manager, F-22 and led the F-22 Program through first flight and initial
flight test. In 1999 he was named President, LM Aeronautical Systems Company, Marietta,
Georgia and led the restructuring of that company including a 20% force downsizing prior to
the LM Aero consolidation.
1996
From 1969 to 1980, Mr. Burbage served on active duty in the United States Navy, achieving
the rank of lieutenant commander. After completing the U.S. Navy Test Pilot School in 1975,
he accumulated more than 3,000 hours in 38 different types of military aircraft. On Oct. 31,
1994, he retired from the Navy Reserves as a captain.
1978
1980
1982
1986
1988
1990
1992
1994
1998
2000
2002
2004
2006
ABE1 Robert Whelan
ABH1 R. A. Buscher
ABCS Lew Simpson
ABF1 Charles Bennett
ABE1 Nelson Tabinga
ABEC A.L. Crutchfield
ABH1 Brian Stump
ABF1 Richard Borrego
ABE1 Jeffrey Wisler
ABE1 Paul E. Erickson
ABH1 Willie Lewis
ABH1 Norris l. Danzey
ABH1 Michael B Reid
ABE1 (AW) James D. Surgeon
ABH1 Mark C. Persutti
ABH1 (AW) Shawn T. Whalen
ABH1 (AW/SW) Derek Diggs
ABE1 (AW/SW) R. Donaldson
ABF1 (AW) Bradley H. Fudge
ABH1 (AW) William J. Claye
ABE1 (AW) Wilbert M. Wafford
ABE1 (AW) Tagipo Migao
ABE1 (AW) Anthony Hughes
ABH1 (AW) Sean Black
ABH1 (AW) Gregory A. Curl
ABE1 (AW) Dennis M. Prazeau
ABE1 (AW/SW) Jon C. Clark
ABH1 (AW/SW) Glen R. Harrison
ABF1 (AW/SW) Alvaro D. Williams
ABH1 (AW/SW) Ronnie A. Padilla
ABH1 (AW/SW) Maguel L. Brooks
ABF1 (AW/SW) Jamison R. Hunter
1977
1979
1981
1983
1985
1987
1989
1991
1993
1995
1997
1999
2001
2003
2005
ABFC Alfred Reynolds
ABH1 Alan Lundeen
ABE1 Bert Blyth
ABE1 Jake Kollarik
ABE1 Michael Hoben
ABE1 A.A. Annunziata
ABH1 M. L. Herman
ABE1 Elwood G. Eppard
ABE1 T.A. Chorlton
ABH2 Kevin J. Phillips
ABH2 Scott J. Bailey
ABE1 Richard D. Jones
ABH1 Paul Foster
ABE1 (SW) Ronnie G Pinkston
ABH1 Daniel Dray
ABE1 Buddy Ward
ABF1 (AW/SW) Dennis Joyce
ABE1 (AW) W.D. Cunningham
ABH1 (AW) Joseph Howard
ABH1 (AW) Larry Spradlin
ABH1 James A. Wiggins
ABE1 (AW) Steven D. Keizer
ABH1 (AW/SW) Thomas Lamb
ABF1 (AW) Lawrence Warford
ABE1 (AW/SW) Jaime I. Roma
ABF1 (AW/SW) Reynaldo A. Stanley
ABF1 (AW/SW) Karl C. Thomsen
ABH1 (AW/SW) Jitindra W. Sirjoo
ABF1 (AW/SW) Eric L. Alexander
ABH1(AW/SW) Christopher L. Smith
Mr. Burbage was born on Sept. 9, 1947, in San Diego, California. In 1969, he received a
bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy. He also has master’s degrees in aeronautical systems from the University of West Florida and business administration from UCLA.
Mr. Burbage has received numerous industry awards, including the Society of Automotive
Engineers 2007 Leadership in Aerospace Award, the Donald C. Burnham Award from the
Society of Manufacturing Engineers, the Silver Knight Award from the National Management Association, three Aviation Week Laurels Awards, and the Aerospace Industry Personality of the Year for 2002, presented at the Singapore Air Show. He is a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots.
Tom and his wife Ellen reside in Alpharetta, Georgia; have three daughters and five grandsons.
16
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AVIATION BOATSWAIN'S MATE ASSOCIATION
Reunion Chairmen Prior To Incorporation
1971 ABCM Mike Hickman
1972 ABCM Willie Gann
1973 ABCS V. R. Christofoletti
1974 LT Cliff Forbes
Presidents
1974-1976 CDR Robert Gillen
1976-1977 CWO Robert Archibald
1977-1978 LCDR Dave Deese
1978-1979 LCDR Thomas Gregory
1979-1980 ABCM Bert Gorczyca
1980-1982 LCDR Joseph Breslin
1982-1983 ABCM James E. Tuck
1983-1984 LCDR Preston L. Jones
1984-1985 ABCM Lee Snodgrass
1985-1986 CDR Cliff Forbes
1986-1988 CDR Robert E. Parsons
1988-1989 CWO Robert M. Henderson
1989-1990 CWO C. L. Moorehead
1990-1992 ABCM Charles J. Ramsey
1992-1993 ABCM Raymond Tick
1993-1995 CDR Tony Mcfarlane
1995-1996 LT Brian Gale
1996-1997 LCDR Steve Ross
1997-1998 LT T.A. "Cracker" Chorlton 1998-1999 ABECS Wally Hamaker
1999-2000 ABCM Lanny Vines
2000-2001 CDR Mike Weeks
2001-2002 LCDR Jimmy McLaughlin
2002-2004 LCDR Roy Harrison
2004-2005 LT Doug Thornton
1990
1992
1994
1996
1998
2000
2002
2004
Living Legends
ABCM Willie Gann
1991 CDR Jack Carleton
LCDR Dave Deese
1993 LCDR Harry Claar
CDR Bob Gillen
1995 CWO4 Ed Hayes
ABCS Odie Kennedy
1997 CWO4 Tyrone Roebuck
CWO4 Robert J Archibald III
1999 CWO3 Arlie T. Sinks
LCDR A.B. “Skip” Lopez
2001 CWO4 Victor “Vic” Pinion
CDR Preston L. Jones
2003 LCDR Mark Short
LT C. J. Heard
2005 CWO4 Robert M. Henderson
Posthumous Legends
1995 CDR Cliff Forbes
1996 ABCM Frederick P. Terrazzano
1997 CDR Lawrence “Larry” Wiltzius 1998 CWO4 James D. Maloney
1999 CWO4 Robert V. Langmaid
2004 ABHC (Ret/Dec) Donald A.
“Tiny” Alexander
ABMA Recruiters of the Year
LCDR Doug Thornton
ABH1 Harold Rodriguez
LT Charlie Ardinger
CWO2 Jim Kay
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STEPHEN C. RORKE
CAPTAIN, UNITED STATES NAVY
CAPT Steve “Chewy” Rorke is a graduate of
Cordova High in Rancho Cordova, California and was commissioned in 1981 through the Navy ROTC scholarship
program in Electrical Engineering at Oregon State University. He was designated a Naval Flight Officer in 1982 and
detailed to fly EA-6B Prowlers.
CAPT Rorke has served in a variety of sea and
shore assignments and flown over 28 types of aircraft during
his distinguished career. At sea, his first assignment was
with the VAQ-133 Wizards aboard the USS Enterprise
(CVN-65) making both the last EA-6B “EXCAP” version
Prowler deployment followed by the first Western Pacific
deployment of the “ICAP-II” Prowler. While assigned to the
VAQ-132 Scorpions, he served as Electronic Warfare, Operations and then Maintenance department head during deployments to the Mediterranean and
Adriatic Seas aboard USS Saratoga (CV-60) and to the Caribbean Sea aboard USS Constellation
(CV-64). Chewy joined the Garudas of VAQ-134 as Executive Officer in May 1996 during the
Navy’s first expeditionary Prowler deployment to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. He assumed command
of the Garudas in October 1997 and led the squadron through another trend-setting six month
expeditionary deployment to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, in support of Operation Northern Watch
(ONW). During their ground breaking Expeditionary Prowler deployments, the Garudas won the
COMNAVAIRPAC Battle “E”, a Joint Meritorious Unit Commendation as a member of the Combined Task Force, ONW and were twice awarded the CNO Safety “S”. In January 1999 he reported as Operations Officer of the USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) in time for workups and the
millennium deployment to the Western Pacific and the Arabian Gulf in January 2000. His Ops
Department earned the Ops Green “E” and lead the ship to its first Pacific Fleet Battle “E”.
CAPT Rorke’s shore assignments have primarily been acquisition related beginning
with selection to the US Navy Test Pilot School at Patuxent River, MD, graduating from TPS
Class 92, in December 1987. He then worked as the EA-6B Project Officer for ICAP-II Block-86
and production EA-6B HARM integration test projects at the Systems Engineering Test Directorate (SETD) of the Naval Air Test Center. He later assumed the duties as Test Program Manager at
SETD and was responsible for cost, schedule and performance of all EA-6B weapons and flight
test projects including ADVCAP, Block-86 upgrades and Block-82 software releases. In addition,
he participated in numerous other developmental projects in A-6E, F-14B, F/A-18D and TA-7C
aircraft. He later assumed the duties as the Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet, EA-6B
“ADVCAP” Fleet Introduction Team Officer in Charge until the cancellation of the “ADVCAP”
program. He then became the Wing’s Technology Manager, the liaison officer to NAVAIR and
tracked all Prowler upgrade and technology issues, in addition to participating in the first feasibility study of an Electronic Attack F/A-18 variant.
He reported as the Chief Test Pilot of the Navy’s Strike Aircraft Test Squadron, VX-23,
at Patuxent River in June 2001 and assumed command in January 2003. During this tour he participated in various flight test projects and provided oversight for all strike aircraft developmental
test programs, encompassing over 200 active projects on EA-6B ICAP-III, F/A-18C/D/E/F, T-45,
X-31 and both X-32 and X-35 JSF aircraft. VX-23 was awarded a Meritorious Unit Commendation in August 2003 and the CNO Safety “S” for 2003. CAPT Rorke served as the E-2C foreign
military sales IPT lead in PMA-231 from June 2004 until reporting as Program Manager for Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment (PMA-251) in March 2006.
Capt Rorke has logged over 3,950 flight hours including 3,230 EA-6B hours, 779 carrier landings and 165 combat hours during 34 ONW missions. His personal decorations include
four Meritorious Service Medals, Air Medal (Strike/Flight), two Navy Commendation Medals and
a Navy Achievement Medal, in addition to other unit and service awards. He is a graduate of the
Armed Forces Staff College and has masters degrees from the University of Tennessee (1990) and
the Naval War College (1995).
CAPT Steve Rorke is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Howard S. Rorke of Rancho Cordova,
California. He now resides with his wife Julie and daughter Grace Marie, in Hollywood, Md.
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MATTHEW THOMAS SCASSERO
CAPTAIN, UNITED STATES NAVY
Captain Scassero grew up in Lisburn, Pennsylvania. He graduated with a B.S. in Physics
(Oceanography), and received his commission
from the United States Naval Academy in
1982. He proceeded on to flight training in
Pensacola, Florida, earning his Naval Flight
Officer wings in July 1983.
Reporting to the EA-6B Prowler community, Captain Scassero has been stationed at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington and NAF Atsugi, Japan serving tours with VAQ’s-129, -134, and -136
in USS CARL VINSON, USS MIDWAY and USS INDEPENDENCE. Other
assignments include the Weapon System Program Manager at the A-6/EA-6B
Program Office (PMA-234) in Crystal City, Virginia and NATO Training and
Exercises Officer on the staff of Second Fleet/Commander, Striking Fleet Atlantic in USS MOUNT WHITNEY (LCC 20), homeported in Norfolk, Virginia. Following selection for command, in 1999 Captain Scassero reported
first as Executive Officer, and then fleeted up to Commanding Officer of the
Electronic Attack Weapons School at NAS Whidbey Island. He then embarked on a highly successful and rewarding tour as Air Boss in VINSON,
making an extended deployment to the Western Pacific in 2003. He has flown
combat missions in Iraq and Kosovo.
Captain Scassero reported in April 2004 to Naval Air Systems Command at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland as the Naval Capabilities Development Process program manager, and assumed his current duties in July 2006 as
Vice Commander for Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft Division.
Captain Scassero’s personal awards include the Meritorious Service
Medal, Air Medal (3), Joint Service Commendation Medal (2), Navy/Marine
Corps Commendation Medal (2, 1 with Combat “V”), Navy/Marine Corps
Achievement Medal and Expert Pistol Medal, and numerous unit and campaign awards. He lives with his family in Leonardtown, Maryland.
President
CDR R. D. Jones
2006-2007 Officers
Vice-President
CDR (Sel) S. Whelan
Treasurer
ABEC (Ret) Stoney Burke
Secretary
Donna Dodson
Board of Directors
Life Member
CDR (Ret) Bob Gillen
CAPT (Ret) Tony McFarlane
One Year
CDR (Ret) Preston Jones
LT Guy Jordan
Two Year
CDR Roy Harrison
CDR Mike Singleton
Three Year
ABCM Kely Charles
ABHC Chris Smith
ABMA Chaplain
LTJG Erick Stroud
AB's Believe...
Carrier Safety
+
Highway Safety
"Please Stay Drug
Free & Sober"
14
11
ABF1 (AW) Jacob Muehls
ABOY Atlantic Fleet
ABF1 Jacob D. Muehls is a native of Waukesha, Wisconsin and a graduate of Waukesha High
School. Shortly following graduation he entered Basic Training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes in January 1995.
After graduating from Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Fuels “A” School at Naval Air Technical
Training Center, Millington he reported to the fuel division onboard USS INDEPENDENCE
(CV 62) in July 1998 where he completed two Mediterranean & Arabian Gulf deployments in
1998 & 2000. After a successful tour on KITTY HAWK, Petty Officer Muehls graduated the
top of his class from Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Fuels “C” School at Naval Air Technical
Training Center, Pensacola as an Aviation Fuels Technician.
After graduation he reported to Assault Craft Unit FOUR, as the Leading Petty Officer where
he was responsible for 15 personnel in the safe and efficient fueling of all landing and assault
crafts.
In September 2003 he reported to USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) as the Flight Deck
Leading Petty Officer. He Superb leadership was noted during HST’s Planned Incremental
Availability period where he was in charge of the comprehensive PIA work package accounting
for more than 3,000 man hours and the unprecedented fuel system certification. After a successful yard period Petty Officer Muehls led his flight deck team on a combat mission deployment to the Mediterranean Sea and Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and
Operation Iraqi Freedom. Petty Officer Muehls volunteered to fill a demanding Individual
Augmentation billet in Afghanistan where he’s in charge of all fueling evolutions, as well as
supervising the offload of 152,000 gallons of JP-5 and 26,000 gallons of diesel.
Petty Officer Muehls served as V-4 Division Leading Petty Officer on two ships through
three deployments and has logged over 52 million gallons of JP-5 issued and received incident
free. For his inspiring leadership Petty Officer Muehls was awarded the Harry S. Truman Buck
Stops Here Leadership Award for his can do attitude. His personal awards include the Navy &
Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal (Four
Awards), Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Battle “E” Ribbon
(Three Awards), Good Conduct Medal (Three Awards), National Defense Service Medal,
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Two Awards), Armed Forces Service Medal, Global War
on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian
Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (Three Awards), and the Navy/Marine Corps
Overseas Service Ribbon (Two Awards)
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ABF1 (AW/SW) Roberto Saavedra
ABOY Pacific Fleet
Born June 28, 1978, in Juarez Mexico, Petty Officer Roberto J.
Saavedra enlisted in the U.S Navy in June 1998. After attending Boot
camp in Great Lakes and completing ABF “A” school in NATTC Pensacola, Florida he reported to the USS Inchon (MCS-12) in October 1998
where he eventually became the Below Decks Leading Petty Officer.
After a successful tour onboard USS Inchon, Petty Officer
Saavedra reported to NATTC Pensacola, Florida in September 2001 for
instructor duty where he received his Master Training Specialist Certification. He instructed over 500 airman apprenticeship classes and command
indoctrination classes.
Petty Officer Saavedra left NATTC Pensacola, Florida in October 2004
and reported to USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63) in November and was assigned as the Below Decks Leading Petty Officer. In 2005, Petty Officer
Saavedra was selected as the USS KITTY HAWK’s Senior Sailor of the
Year (SOY) for his conspicuous and superior performance. Petty Officer
Saavedra now serves as the V-4 Maintenance Leading Petty Officer and
assistant to the Fuels Maintenance Officer. He recently earned an Associates in Science Degree.
His personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps
Achievement Medal, 4 awards; the Navy Good Conduct award 3 awards,
and various unit awards.
He is married to the former Claudia Mijarez. They have one son, Robert
Saavedra. They reside in Ikego, Japan.
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