NAS Fort Worth Sailor Prepares for Naval Academy

FORT WORTH, Texas (NNS) -- A base operations Sailor aboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Fort Worth, Texas, received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS) in Newport, R.I., April 27.

Air Traffic Controller Airman's Apprentice Robert W. Amick, 21, is one of only about 170 Sailors who will receive the honor this year. Upon graduation, he will attend the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.

Amick joined the Navy in April 2010. He completed basic training aboard Naval Station Great Lakes, Ill., and attended Air Traffic Control School aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., where he finished first among his fellow Sailors.

Amick also holds a "pink card," which signifies that he is legally allowed to train as an FAA air traffic controller.

After arriving aboard NAS Fort Worth, Amick expressed interest in officer programs during his 30-day Career Development Board (CDB), according to Master Chief Devin Kroshus.

"The CDB members discussed his options, and he met the minimum requirements for the Naval Academy," Kroshus said. "Then his chief notified the admissions office at the Naval Academy, and he was granted a candidate number."

Amick admits in the beginning, the application process was a bit daunting, but he received plenty of support and guidance from his command.

"Master Chief Kroshus really laid it out step-by-step for me, because he's already gone through it once, because his daughter is in," Amick said.

"The process is very difficult for an enlisted Sailor; you must meet certain requirements," Kroshus said.

Those requirements include the commanding officer's endorsement, SECNAV nomination request, recommendations from two commissioned officers, a combined minimum SAT score of 1050 or ACT equivalent combined minimum score of 46 and a completed medical exam.

"The program is 10 months, and if you graduate prep school, you automatically get into the Academy," Amick said.

According to the NAPS Web site, "the 10-month course of instruction at NAPS, lasting from August through May, emphasizes preparation in English composition, mathematics, chemistry, physics and information technology. Military, physical and character development programs complement the academic preparation to fully prepare students for the challenges of life at a service academy."

Amick's long range goal is to eventually become a Marine aviator, he said. But in the meantime, he plans to hit the books pretty hard to ensure entrance into the Naval Academy. Once there, the 21-year-old wants to study engineering.

Amick will transfer to NAPS in July.

"He is about to undergo a life-changing event," Kroshus said. "The entire command is extremely proud of his accomplishments."

Amick is from Simpsonville, S.C., and is a 2008 graduate of Mauldin High School. He is the son of Bob and Kathy Amick of Simpsonville and the grandson of Oliver (deceased) and Rachel Amick and Howard (deceased) and Willeen Dearman.

For more news from Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, visit www.navy.mil/local/nasjrbfw/.