Please describe who or what influenced your decision to join the Navy?

My father had the most influence in my decision and outlook of the Navy. Having served 20 years himself, retiring in 1991 as an RMC, he was my hero and role model of what I wanted to become. Growing up as a "Navy Brat" helped too. I was always the kid who liked checking out books of ships, planes, and other military stuff from the library and grew up watching movies like Top Gun, The Final Countdown, Tora Tora Tora, Midway, and so forth. I've just been raised to be Haze Gray. Hoo Ya!!

Whether you were in the service for several years or as a career, please describe the direction or path you took. What was your reason for leaving?

I started out as an undesignated Aircrewman and then chose AW while in Boot Camp. From there, went to Aircrew School in Pensacola where I decided to go Fixed Wing vice Rotary (SAR). I finished up in "A" School 3rd in my class and had a lot of options to choose from for my first assignment, but was curious about something called ASWMOD. So, I put my P-3 progression on hold and went the way of the Carrier AW. I checked into my first command onboard the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk (CV-63) as an AWAN on May 21, 1999, in the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch. From there,

I did multiple cruises and met some of the most influential people I would ever meet. At the end of my "boat" career as an AW2(AW/SW), I decided to go back to my original path and headed off to VP-30 to learn how to be a Non-Acoustic Operator (SS3). I checked into VP-5 on April 2, 2002. There I did two 6 month deployments plus a 5-week surge. I picked up AW1 at the end of my VP-5 time and headed off to shore duty. I checked into CV-TSC Ashore on November 23, 2005. There my job was to train the AW's, ST's and OS's attached to the ASWMOD on all of the Navy's carriers. While there, I knocked out my MTS and also picked up SOY. I also did an IA tour in Iraq from January-September 2009. I checked into VP-62 October 29, 2010, as an AWOC(NAC/AW/SW).

So, here I am now.

If you participated in any military operations, including combat, humanitarian and peacekeeping operations, please describe those which were the most significant to you and, if life-changing, in what way.

Operation Southern Watch: We were supporting the U.N. Restrictions placed upon Iraq. On-board U.S.S. Kitty Hawk (CV-63), we dropped a lot of ordnance over there during "Peace Time". It was hot, ugly, tedious but pretty cool for an Oklahoma boy at the age of 19.

Kosovo/Bosnia: With VP-5, we did multiple overland missions in that theater of operations. The missions were long (about 10 hours on average) but were pretty interesting. I really felt like we were making a difference somehow or another. We would fly out of Sigonella, Italy; I did it a lot of time when I was off while I was there so my memory is a little tainted.

Enduring Freedom: Armed escort missions through the straights of Gibraltar for U.S. and allied ships. It was what it was.

Iraqi Freedom: Working on the ground with the Army in Iraq with UAV's, completely awesome!!! Except for the heat, the dust, and dirt, the incoming mortars, and rockets, the insane insurgents, it was an alright place.

Of all your duty stations or assignments, which one do you have fondest memories of and why? Which one was your least favorite?

My first command, U.S.S. Kitty Hawk (CV-63), OX Division, ASWMOD, 21 MAY 99 - JUN 01 is by was by far my most favorite command yet! There I met a variety of people who would become and still are my best friends. I had the opportunity to visit many new and exciting places, especially for a kid who is from Coweta, OK. While onboard, we went to Freemantle, Australia; Sydney, Australia; Singapore; Guam; Pattaya Beach, Thailand; Pusan, South Korea; Hong Kong; Bahrain; Dubai and Jubahali, United Arab Emirates; not to forget to mention that the ship was homeported in Yokosuka, Honshu, Japan. Going to all of these places and experiencing the culture with this group of folks I was stationed with was awesome.

Each port visit has a different story, mostly good, and some not so much. I also advanced from being an Airman up to a Second Class Petty Officer, wearing both my Aviation and Surface Warfare Specialist pins. I became a trusty Shellback. I learned the difference between a cruise and a "fast cruise". I also met the guy who would eventually introduce me to my wife years later. The memories and friends that I made on that ship will always have a special place in my heart, and I thank God that I listened to my dad and went forward with volunteering to serve on a ship, even though my rate pretty much ensured that I would never step foot on one throughout my career.

My least favorite command would have to be where I am currently. Now, I'm not unhappy with this place, it just doesn't rate that high on my list of job satisfaction, fun and exciting. I currently work at COMPATRECONGRU in Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, VA. The people I work with are top notch and I enjoy the hell out them. We have a great staff here! I just prefer not to sit in an office with no windows all day long doing paperwork and talking on the phone...just isn't really my style.

From your entire service, including combat, describe the personal memories which have impacted you most?

I was recently promoted to Chief; I was lucky enough to have one anchor pinned on by my dad (RMC retired) and my grandfather (MMC retired). It was a childhood dream come true!!! There are no words to describe how I felt that day.

What achievement(s) are you most proud of from your military career?

Making Chief was by far the proudest moment of my career so far. This was my goal from day one in the Navy. I had always heard that you had to go to certain commands, that you had to have certain jobs, and that you had to act a certain way in order to ever have a chance to become a Chief. I didn't put too much stock into any of those things. I went to commands because I was interested in what they did and had a desire to do the job. I held certain collateral duties that were either given to me or one that I pursued do to my personal interest in them and enjoyed them. I act the way that I have always acted, sometimes like a clown, but always true to myself. I was told several times, once as an AW2 and again as an AW1 that I would never make Chief because of the places that I had been and the jobs that I hadn't done. Well, I guess I showed them! But, most importantly, I proved to myself that I belonged in the Chief's Mess. That I was cut-out to be a Chief.

Getting pinned by both my father and grandfather, both retired Chiefs, was "the greatest day of my life" in the Navy. All of my other awards and achievements falter when in comparison to the pride I feel when I look to my left and right and see these golden anchors gleaming in the sun.

Of all the medals, awards, formal presentations and qualification badges you received, or any other memorabilia, please describe those which are the most meaningful to you and why?

My Aircrew Wings (Wings of Gold) have the most meaning to me since they represent what my career is all about for the most part. Those wings were earned with sweat, blood, and tears. Hoo Ya Aircrew!!!

Which individual(s) from your time in the military stand out as having the most positive impact on you and why?

CWO3 Gilberto Bermudez. Though when I first met him on the Kitty Hawk, he was AW2 "Gil" Bermudez. This guy knows his stuff!!! He is a role model to all. He knew his job, he knew how to make the system work for him, and most important of all; he knew how to take care of his people (us). From this guy, I learned it's not all about me. That if I want to succeed, I need to first make sure my people succeed.

Please recount the names of friends you served with, at which location, and what you remember most about them. Indicate those you are already in touch with and those you would like to make contact with.

AWO1 (NAC/AW/SW) Josh Turnage: U.S.S. Kitty Hawk (CV-63) - Lifelong friend. I'm still making memories with this guy, and I'll be his guest speaker at his retirement come April 2016.

AWO1 (NAC/AW) Ben Fetzer: U.S.S. Kitty Hawk (CV-63) - Lifelong friend. I'm also still making memories with this guy, and plan on being at his pinning when he makes Chief.

AWO1 (NAC/AW) Frank Frangella (RET.): U.S.S. Kitty Hawk (CV-63), Patrol Squadron Five (VP-5), CV-TSC Ashore - Lifelong friend. I'm still making memories with this guy as well.

CWO4 (NAC/AW/SW) Gilberto "Gil" Bermudez: U.S.S. Kitty Hawk (CV-63) - Lifelong friend.

I'm again, still making memories with this guy. I've served with many great people throughout my career, but none stand out as much as these guys do. These guys are my buddies, my pals, my brothers.

Can you recount a particular incident from your service which may or may not have been funny at the time, but still makes you laugh?

While already 2 months into a 3 month Spring cruise, the U.S.S Kitty Hawk was ordered into the Persian Gulf for an additional 6 months to enforce U.N. Sanctions on Iraq. Needless to say, the crew wasn't exactly "peachy" So when I arrived with only 4 months left of their cruise, all happy and motivated, I guess I was rather annoying. So, there I was, just got off of the COD, it's hot and loud. We're steaming around the Persian Gulf, a place I had only seen on T.V. and new that Saddam was only miles away. So I go following the line of people down the catwalks and right to the ATO office. While all of the other guy's sponsors were meeting and greeting, I stood there alone.

After everyone else had left off to God knows where I see this shady looking fella come lurking out of the shadows. His eyes were all bloodshot and he had some scruff on his face like he hadn't shaved in a few days or so. He stops, looks me up and down and says" You Barrett?". I raise my eyebrow and reply " yea?". He then reached down and picked up the smallest of the 3 bags I had which were 2 seabags and a garment bag, straightens back up and looks me in the face and says " WELCOME TO HELL!!!", and then took off at an un-Godly pace. So there I go chasing after him with my 2 seabags banging into everything down the narrow passageways and I'm tripping over almost every knee knocker. At this point I'm thinking, what the hell am I doing here.

So, yes, both my buddy Josh (bloodshot eyed guy) and I still have a good laugh about it.

What profession did you follow after your military service and what are you doing now? If you are currently serving, what is your present occupational specialty?

My current job now is the AWO Shop Chief/Security Chief and Non-Acoustic Operator (SS3) for VP-62.

What military associations are you a member of, if any? What specific benefits do you derive from your memberships?

Iraq War Veterans Association. As far as benefits, I'm rather new so I'm unaware of any.

In what ways has serving in the military influenced the way you have approached your life and your career?

Gary Sinise

Well, it's given me discipline, structure, focus, and has really made me appreciate all of the benefits such as medical, dental etc. I also have a much greater appreciation for the American way of life after having seen a large portion of the world.

Based on your own experiences, what advice would you give to those who have recently joined the Navy?

My Family

Stay strong, stay safe, enjoy the time in, but don't forget your family, they'll be there after your military career.

In what ways has TogetherWeServed.com helped you remember your military service and the friends you served with.

Well, first and foremost, it gives me the opportunity to show off all of my cool chest candy. Also, I can keep up with the guys who no longer live close by. It's a pretty cool website in my opinion.

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