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| Airman Regine Garcia |
By Nathan McDonald
USN Mass Communication Specialist 2nd
Class
NORFOLK—A 2004 Aura De Laurentus graduate and
Olongapo, Philippines native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the aircraft
carrier, PCU Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78).
Airman
Regine Garcia is an aviation boatswain's mate (handling) aboard the Ford-class
aircraft carrier operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
A Navy
aviation boatswain's mate (handling) is responsible for flight deck
firefighting and directing aircraft.
“I like that
we have the opportunity to save lives,” said Ms. Garcia.
Named after
the 38th US President, Gerald Rudolph Ford Jr., the Ford-class
aircraft carrier is 1,092 feet long and hosts a wide array of quality of life
improvements and state-of-the-art upgrades from a Nimitz-class aircraft
carrier. New technology, including a new reactor plant, propulsion systems,
electric plant, Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), advanced
arresting gear and integrated warfare systems enables the Navy to operate the
ship with less manpower, contributing to the Navy saving approximately $4
billion in total ownership costs over the ship’s 50‐year life when compared to NIMITZ-class.
“It's a
privilege to be stationed aboard a new class of ship,” said Ms. Garcia.
Approximately
170 officers and 2000 enlisted men and women make up the ship's company, each
highly specialized and operating in a number of jobs ranging from managing
shipboard telecommunications networks and damage control systems to maintaining
machinery and weapons. With more than 40 new or modified
systems, Ford Sailors are unique in their training as many are among the first
in the Fleet to train on and operate the ship’s cutting edge technology. The crew continues to explore innovative training solutions
as Sailors prepare to take ownership of equipment and systems from contractors
and shipbuilders.
“It is the
sailors who serve onboard Gerald R. Ford, who comprise the weapons system of
this ship,” said Capt. John F. Meier, Gerald R. Ford’s commanding officer. “Their enthusiasm and the commitment to excellence has created an
infectiously positive command climate and they remain wholly committed to
delivering this much needed asset to the Fleet.”
While Ford
has yet to conduct its first mission abroad, those serving aboard this ship
will experience things that most Sailors don’t get to, being a part of the
ship’s initial crew. The crew must be highly motivated and adapt quickly to
changing conditions to ensure the ship is ready to defend America at all times
when called upon. There are high expectations for this ship and its Sailors;
however, the crew is thriving under pressure.
“The Navy
has taught me a lot of life skills that I will use while serving and beyond,”
said Ms. Garcia.
As a member
of the U.S. Navy’s newest aircraft carrier, Garcia and other Ford Sailors are
excited to be a part of the crew that will take this advanced war-fighting
vessel on its first voyage to protect this country on the world’s oceans.
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