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June 1, 2018
GOSPORT
NAS Whiting Field’s Wright retires with 24 years Story, photo by Lt.j.g. Harrison Garrett NAS Whiting Field Public Affairs Office
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BHC Roland Wright retired from the United States Navy May 25, onboard Naval Air Station Whiting Field (NASWF) following 24 years of service to the nation. Originally from Memphis, Tenn., Wright joined the Navy following community college, where he was working toward an electrical engineering degree. He initially considered serving in submarines but chose to make a career in aviation support. Wright enlisted May 9, 1994, and reported to Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill. Following boot camp, Wright became an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handler) (ABH). As an ABH, he was responsible for the aviation electrical components on various aircraft or airframes. He completed his initial training at Great Lakes, reported to the USS Boxer (LHD 4), at NAS San Diego and after four years aboard USS Boxer in the crash and salvage work center, he completed advanced training in Pensacola.
Wright was then assigned to shore duty at NAS Lemoore in California in September, 1999, and it was there he decided for the first time to make the Navy his career. In 2003, Wright was assigned to USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in Everett, Wash. While onboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, he was responsible for helping incoming Sailors acclimate to the ship, and it was there he further developed leadership techniques that made him successful as a chief. Concluding his time on the USS Abraham Lincoln in 2007, Wright moved overseas to NAS Sigonella in Italy. While there, he was the base fire department leading petty officer (LPO), and after three years, reported to the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Following his tour aboard
ABHC Roland Wright (center, kneeling) with his fellow NAS Whiting Field chief petty officers after his retirement ceremony May 25.
USS Carl Vinson, he earned the honor of joining the Goat Locker and advanced to the rank of chief petty officer. Wright’s final assignment at NAS Whiting Field gave him more responsibility for the training area used for emergency response to aircraft mishaps. This vital function ensures Sailors are trained and ready in the event of any aircraft mishaps. Wright’s mentor and friend, retired chief Larry Powels, was the guest speaker for the
retirement ceremony. Powels expressed how honored he was to have gotten the call from Wright to speak about his old junior Sailor. “I was honored to be his chief, and I’m honored to be his friend,” Powels said. Powels went on to say that, “as a leader of junior Sailors, he was the guy molding them.” Powels concluded by advising Wright that “(retiring) is not the end of a career, but a start to a new chapter.”
Wright thanked his friends and family, pointing special appreciation to his wife, for all they have done to support his career and the needs of the Navy. “To my mentors who molded me, thank you.” Wright said. “To my Sailors, I had the pleasure of watching you grow. We give up birthdays, anniversaries, we give up so much. But it’s been a great ride, and I’m so thankful for the Sailors who have been a part of my life.”
NAS Whiting Field children at Blue Wahoos Kids Camp ... Blue Wahoos team
members and the Navy Goat mascot stand with NAS Whiting Field (NASWF) children during the annual Kids Camp May 19. The Blue Wahoos worked with the children on pitching, out fielding and batting skills. Photos by Jamie Link
PENSACOLA STATE COLLEGE
Waives Fees for Active Duty Military BEGINNING JULY 1, 2018
Pensacola State College does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, color, gender/sex, age, religion, marital status, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or genetic information in its educational programs, activities or employment. For inquiries regarding Title IX and the college’s nondiscrimination policies, contact the Associate Vice President for Institutional Diversity/Title IX Officer at 850-484-1759, Pensacola State College, 1000 College Blvd., Pensacola, Florida 32504.
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