VOL.54 NO. 8 FEBRUARY 26, 2015
SERVING NAVAL AIR STATION OCEANA, DAM NECK ANNEX, AND NALF FENTRESS
FRCMA maintenance officer’s career path inspired by others
JET
INSIDE
BY AT3 JESSICA BRYANT Fleet Readiness Center Mid-Atlantic By any definition, Cmdr. Francini Clemmons is a high achiever. When he was elevated to the position of maintenance officer (MO) at Fleet Readiness Center Mid-Atlantic (FRCMA) Site Oceana in June 2014, Clemmons became the first African-American in the rank of commander to serve in that role. That “first” distinction is one Clemmons said humbles him, particularly as the nation turns its attention to Black achievers during AfricanAmerican History Month in February. “I’m a native son from right here in Hampton Roads,” he said.“Those who know my childhood history will tell you I was a little troublemaker, that I should have been counted out,” he said with a smile.“Fortunately for me, I was supported by a loving family; and by God’s grace, my steps were re-directed. His crooked path straightened, Clemmons graduated from high school and enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he was trained as an enlisted aviation maintenance administrationman. He quickly scaled the enlisted ranks, rising from E-1 to E-8 in a little more than 13 years. Clemmons then set his sights on the officer ranks, and was commissioned in 1998 as an ensign through the Limited Duty Officer program. In 2003, he was redesignated as an aviation maintenance duty officer. Over the course of his career, Clemmons held a variety of significant shore and afloat positions, including Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 34 maintenance material control officer, Fleet Readiness Center Norfolk (formerly Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department) power plants and avionics officer, USS Enterprise maintenance material control officer, Aviation Support Equipment Program Office (PMA-260) assistant deputy program, and deputy F-35 air
— See FRCMA MO, page 3
GEORGE H.W. BUSH RETURNS FROM UNDERWAY —Page 3
Photo by MC2 (SW) Alysia Hernandez NAS Oceana Commanding Officer Capt. Kit Chope presents MA2 Joshua Abraham, from Oceana Security Department during his re-enlistment Feb. 20. Abraham is accompanied by his MWD, Lara.
A dog-gone fine reenlistment BY CATHY HEIMER Jet Observer During a Navy reenlistment, it’s normally the Sailor who is adding several more years to his or her career that is the focus of everyone’s attention. But during the reenlistment of Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Joshua Abraham from Oceana Security Department, the event appeared to go to the dogs — the military working dogs (MWDs) that is. When Abraham was reenlisted for another two years on Feb. 20 by NAS Oceana Commanding Officer Capt. Kit Chope, Abraham brought along his partner, a MWD named Lara, as well as two other MWDs and their handlers, to the Oceana Quarterdeck. Along with other members of Oceana and Dam Neck’s Security Department, MA3 Sean AYoung accompanied by Dokie, 3, and MA3 Hans Echeberria brought his MWD, Oscar, 8. Even the cake for his reenlistment cere-
mony featured a big blue paw print. Abraham was also accompanied by his wife Stephanie Buell, who is also a former MA. The couple are working on adopting Lara, who although only 6 years old, has reached the end of her military service. Abraham, from New York, enlisted more than seven years ago with the intention of becoming a military police officer. After atttending MA “A” School, he was stationed at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan. His volunteer work at the dog kennels earned Abraham the opportunity for on-the-job training, which eventually earned him a seat at “C” school and the NEC of Navy dog handler. He was then sent to Djoubti for an individual augmentee tour before reporting to NAS Oceana more than two years ago. The MWD handlers, who recently received new vehicles, will also benefit from the new covered front gate under construction at Dam Neck Annex, which also includes a new kennel for MWDs.
SAILORS PARTICIPATE IN BOWLING LEAGUE —Page 8
NMCRS AT NORFOLK ADMIRALS Join the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society at a Norfolk Admirals hockey game March 28. The Admirals will be playing against the Albany Devils. Tickets are $11. Purchase tickets online at norfolkadmirals.com/groups, enter code:NMCRS15. For more information contact Kathy Nelson at 322-1173 or Charlie Colon at 640-1212 ext. 23.