29 More On The Way

A Sailor from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (Light) (HSL) 43, based at North Island, CA, became the first Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) 5 in the Aviation Electronics Technician (AT) community June 1st in a ceremony at Naval Air Station North Island.

Chief Warrant Officer James Barber, assistant maintenance officer, was promoted to CWO5 as part of the Navy's gradual phase-in of the new rank. CWO5 was established in October 2002 to ensure the Navy attracts and retains the very best technical leadership for a full 30-year career.

"While I'm the first 7381 designator (AT) advanced to CWO5, there were a total of 30 advancements for 2005 out of a pool of 227 candidates," said Barber.

The Fredrickstown, KY, native said he has already been in the Navy 30 years, but his service obligation has been extended to 32 years due to making the new rank just after the 30-year mark.

"I never envisioned that I would still be in the Navy after three decades," he said. "Growing up in a small town, I was motivated by the lure of travel and the educational benefits. As it turned out, I enjoyed all aspects of the Navy. I enjoyed how it challenged me. I enjoyed its diversity of assignments and opportunities, and I enjoyed working with people who shared a common view of service to country."

Master Chief Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AW) Stanley Anasarias, HSL-45 maintenance control supervisor, said he has known Barber for 15 years. When Anasarias was a petty officer first class, Barber was a master chief and gave him advice on how to make chief petty officer.

"I think it's just awesome that he was picked for CWO5," he said. "I am so proud of him being selected. He is my mentor. I have learned a lot from him about leadership and management, and others look up to him for his knowledge and experience."

According to Chief Aviation Machinist's Mate (AW/SW) Dallas Martin, HSL-43 quality assurance supervisor, it's Barber's work ethic that really has made an impression on him.

"He lives by the saying, 'become part of the solution rather than the problem,'" Martin said. "He never gives up on any Sailor who is willing to give him their absolute 100 percent dedication to the command's mission."

Advancement to CWO5 not only retains the technical skills of career Sailors, but it will provide Sailors like Barber an opportunity to continue to mentor Sailors and be a positive role model for them.

"I came up the ranks from E-1 to E-9, and then applied to the Chief Warrant Officer Program in 1994," Barber said. "I have now been advanced 12 times, but somehow the advancement to CWO5 seems more of an honor than advancement. Being a CWO5 really will not alter my daily routine or my approach to the job, but it is a nice endorsement by the Navy, and I am humbled by it."

(ANN salutes Journalist 2nd Class (SW) Ahron Arendes, Naval Air Forces Public Affairs)

FMI: www.navy.mil