Machinist's Mate (Nuclear) 2nd Class Kyle Fenn, from Boise, Idaho, describes the reactor spaces as being "eerily quiet," but recognizes that there is still a large workload and said he feels poised to handle the job as the assistant leading petty officer of Reactor Mechanical Division.

Several decks below the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike), a number of Sailors work in oven-like heat and shout to be heard over loud noises. The spinning turbines, the roar of steam coming through, it all meshes together into one loud engulfing noise. After a while, the noises become recognizable to Sailors as they adjust to their fast-paced, tough environment. This was a normal day for the Sailors who work down in the Reactor department spaces during deployment. Now in the Norfolk Naval Shipyards in Portsmouth, Virginia these same spaces emanate a quiet ambiance, but regardless the mission remains the same and so does the hard-work and dedication of these Sailors.

Machinist's Mate (Nuclear) 2nd Class Kyle Fenn, from Boise, Idaho, describes the reactor spaces as being "eerily quiet," but recognizes that there is still a large workload and said he feels poised to handle the job as the assistant leading petty officer of Reactor Mechanical Division.

"We take care of all of the mechanical systems which directly support reactor operations," said Fenn. "Without Reactor Mechanical Division standing watch, maintaining equipment, there would be no heat to provide steam, no make-up water to the reactor plant...we are kind of the beginning of power generation and electrical generation. Reactor provides the heat, and we move the heat into the secondary plant and they spin machines to give us propulsion, power and steam to the catapults. Without the base level systems and support reactor operation, the reactor would not operate."

Fenn is commonly seen in the Number Two Reactor Auxiliary Room where he leads approximately 31 Sailors in his division. Maintenance is the main focus along with training, planning tasks and independent-study. Despite the responsibility, nearly double the amount of duty, and long hours, Fenn finds a way to stay positive.

"It's hard work, but you just need to make it meaningful to you," said Fenn. "I would say I enjoy what I do. I enjoy the reward. When you accomplish something or when you qualify to do good work. Or you say I just fixed this important piece of equipment that contributes to safe reactor operation, which contributes to safe ship operation. In that sense, I enjoy my job."

Prior to joining the Navy, Fenn had been working as a lifeguard and an insurance agent in his hometown. He said he wasn't sure what he was looking for, some direction in life.

"I didn't know what I wanted to do and I didn't want college debt," said Fenn. "Joining the Navy was a good time to figure out what I wanted to do with my life, get a steady paycheck and get some job experience."

Fenn has been abroad Ike for two years, but has managed to stand out amongst his peers. He considers obtaining his senior in rate watch under 11 months to be one of his biggest accomplishments. This is one of the key moments that opened the doorway to take over as work center supervisor.

"I don't like to disappoint anyone," said Fenn. "The more that I do, the less that falls on other people. The motivation is the shared workload. I know if I slack off, someone else will have to pick it up. We have time critical stuff that needs to get done."

Sailors in Reactor are held to an extremely rigid and high standard, close to perfection, and Fenn's chain of command see this embodied in his work as well as his personal character.

"Fenn's the type of person that would see something, and challenge himself to do it," said Machinist's Mate (Nuclear) 1st Class Valorri Barber, Fenn's previous leading petty officer (LPO). "After he would accomplish that task, he'd take all of the junior Sailor and teach them how to do it. He was probably one of the best workers and one of the most ideal Sailors in the division. He's the one everyone wanted to be and one of the best Sailors I had when I was the leading petty officer."

Another one of Fenn's prior LPO's, Machinist Mate (Nuclear) 1st Class Ethan-Allen Bottoms said he always saw a relentless drive in Fenn to push himself and never quit. He said Fenn struck him as hard-charging, intelligent and he is confident that Fenn will go on to achieve greater things.

"I try to keep a positive attitude," said Fenn. "When people are feeling down, I tell them to try look on the bright side and stay positive." It has been a while since Fenn first entered the plants two years ago and he has come a long way in his career. Since joining, he has achieved the rank of second class petty officer, assumed a leadership role and imparted countless hours of training and mentorship to his shipmates. With Sailors such as Fenn aboard Ike, the Reactor spaces will remain anything but quiet. Other Sailors may not see him or the hard-work Sailors like him are doing, but they benefit from it every day.

For more Navy news, visit
www.navy.mil,
www.facebook.com/usnavy, or
www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), visit www.navy.mil/.