For the first time aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), a Sailor outside the Information Dominance Corps (IDC) earned the Enlisted Information Dominance Warfare Specialist (EIDWS) qualification.

Damage Controlman 2nd Class M. I. Complido was pinned during a ceremony in aft damage control, Sept. 11.

After the EIDWS became available to all Truman Sailors May 29, Complido, who is already a qualified Enlisted Surface and Aviation Warfare Specialist, set a goal to earn her third warfare pin.

"At first I felt like it would be impossible to get," said Complido. "Now that I have it, I couldn't be more proud. It's definitely a dream come true."

Complido said earning the EIDWS pin will benefit her in multiple ways.

"Now that I'm a 2nd class, I needed to have something that sets me apart from other Sailors and makes me more competitive," said Complido. "It also expanded my knowledge on specific war-fighting areas. I now have more of an understanding of how the information dominance community impacts overall worldwide missions."

Senior Chief Information Systems Technician K. K. Ayo, the EIDWS program coordinator, said the program was implemented to enhance the Navy's understanding of Information Dominance to increase war-fighting capabilities, operational readiness and mission effectiveness.

Another Sailor outside the IDC expressed what inspired him to work toward achieving the qualification.

"It's rare for a Sailor to have three pins and I felt it was a good personal accomplishment to have," said Logistics Specialist 2nd Class J. P. Mills. "I want to stay in the Navy and in order to progress toward my goals I knew I needed to get this pin."

Ayo said there are currently more than 400 Sailors aboard Truman enrolled in the program.

Complido said she faced many challenges during her mission to get the pin. After failing both the test and her first murder board, she was persistent and stayed on track.

"There are few Sailors on board who are qualified to give signatures," said Complido. "I would stay up until 2 a.m. every night to track them down. In the beginning I didn't think I could do it. It definitely felt like I was pushing myself beyond my limits. My advice to any Sailor trying to get this pin is to keep pushing forward."

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