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)