Essex Sailors Recognized For Higher Education Achievements

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Six Sailors assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS ESSEX (LHD 2) were recognized for their higher learning achievements at the 5th Annual Academic Military Recognition Ceremony at Naval Base San Diego (NBSD), June 7.

The event was held at the Pacific Beacon. A total of 135 graduates from both the Navy and Marines attended and were credited with completing certificates or degree programs from various universities and colleges throughout the country.

"It's really great to see our Sailors continuing their education while we are in the yards," said Career Counselor 1st Class Elbert Tamondong. "Having a degree helps in so many ways-from advancement points, commissioning programs and even transitioning to life after the Navy."

Essex is currently halfway through an 18-month dry dock maintenance period which makes completing college courses challenging for Sailors.

"I have been working on my degree on and off since 2005," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuels) 1st Class Christian Ramilo. "I started my degree out here in San Diego at Central Texas College and continued my education when I was on shore duty in Japan from 2006 to 2009. It wasn't until 2009 on [USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6)] that I was able to transfer my credits to Coastline Community College and finish my degree by taking [Navy College Program for Afloat College Education] courses."

Ramilo recommended that all Sailors should try to improve their education while on active duty.

"Completing a degree program while on active duty is not easy and those who do it should be proud," Ramilo said. "In today's Navy, having a degree will be very beneficial, and I always tell my junior guys to take full advantage of this dry dock period to go to school."

The other Essex Sailors recognized at the ceremony included Chief Aviation Electrician's Mate Matt Flood, who earned his Master of Arts in Information Resources and Library Science from the University of Arizona, Master Chief Aircraft Maintenanceman Willie Canaya, who earned his Bachelors of Science in Healthcare Administration from Ashford University, Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Alberto Nixon who earned an Associates in Science in Human Resources Management and Associates in Science in Supervision and Management from Coastline Community College, Cryptologic Technician (Collection) 2nd Class Antoinette McCreary who earned her Associates of Arts from Mississippi Gulf Coast College and Machinists Mate 2nd Class Suemaya Dib credited at the ceremony for receiving her associates degree.

"I am very proud of the hard work and dedication our Sailors put in to accomplish their goals," said Gary Mendus, Essex command master chief. "I know it is not easy to manage school along with their professional duties, and I look forward to recognizing more of our Sailors as they finish their degrees in the near future."


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