LEMOORE, Calif. - Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class Everett Wardlaw, a native of Caldwell, Idaho, reenlisted in the U.S. Navy following morning colors on Dec. 7, the 78th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, serving at Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) Lemoore, California.
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| Cmdr. Ronnie Harper, commanding officer of CNATTU Lemoore, reenlists AT1 Everett Wardlaw, left, following morning colors on the 78th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. |
Wardlaw, a 2001 Caldwell Senior High School graduate, previously reenlisted on the 63rd anniversary, choosing continued service to honor those who lost their lives and the overwhelming response of solidarity and patriotism that followed. Wardlaw's enlistment will take him to 22 years and seven months of honorable service.
"I joined the Navy because I wanted to serve my country," Wardlaw said. "I joined the Delayed Entry Program in March 2001, about six months before 9/11. I’ve learned a lot while serving in the Navy, and finding the opportunity in each difficulty is one thing I would’ve like to learn a little younger in my career."
As a Navy aviation electronics technician, Wardlaw, is responsible for repairing some of the most advanced electronics systems in the world. Repair jobs can range from flight deck troubleshooting on aircraft electronic weapon systems to changing computer circuit cards in an air-conditioned shop.
"What I like best about serving with my current command is I am near the end of my career, and I can pass on the experiences I’ve built over the past 18 years to the next crop of sailors in hopes that they can learn something from it," Wardlaw said. "Experience is one thing you can’t really pass down."
CNATTU Lemoore trains sailors and Marines with the necessary FA-18 knowledge, skills, and abilities to function at the highest technical standards in naval aviation maintenance. They supply the fleet with the highest quality trained aviation maintenance technicians so commands can perform their primary mission ashore, at sea and in combat.
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Wardlaw is most proud of his daughters.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Wardlaw knows he is part of a legacy that will last beyond a lifetime providing the Navy the nation needs.
"Serving in the Navy is me writing a check to our nation that says “up to and including my life” in her defense," Wardlaw said. "Our nation is comprised of many people from many walks of life. My service, defending the Constitution of the United States of America, ensures their freedom. It protects those that can’t protect themselves in the pursuit of life, liberty, and those that threaten it."
"I joined the Navy because I wanted to serve my country," Wardlaw said. "I joined the Delayed Entry Program in March 2001, about six months before 9/11. I’ve learned a lot while serving in the Navy, and finding the opportunity in each difficulty is one thing I would’ve like to learn a little younger in my career."
As a Navy aviation electronics technician, Wardlaw, is responsible for repairing some of the most advanced electronics systems in the world. Repair jobs can range from flight deck troubleshooting on aircraft electronic weapon systems to changing computer circuit cards in an air-conditioned shop.
"What I like best about serving with my current command is I am near the end of my career, and I can pass on the experiences I’ve built over the past 18 years to the next crop of sailors in hopes that they can learn something from it," Wardlaw said. "Experience is one thing you can’t really pass down."
CNATTU Lemoore trains sailors and Marines with the necessary FA-18 knowledge, skills, and abilities to function at the highest technical standards in naval aviation maintenance. They supply the fleet with the highest quality trained aviation maintenance technicians so commands can perform their primary mission ashore, at sea and in combat.
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Wardlaw is most proud of his daughters.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Wardlaw knows he is part of a legacy that will last beyond a lifetime providing the Navy the nation needs.
"Serving in the Navy is me writing a check to our nation that says “up to and including my life” in her defense," Wardlaw said. "Our nation is comprised of many people from many walks of life. My service, defending the Constitution of the United States of America, ensures their freedom. It protects those that can’t protect themselves in the pursuit of life, liberty, and those that threaten it."