Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Frederick Turner, assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), recently received the Cornelius “Fritz” Koppy- John “Rick” Garmeson Award as the 2018 Aerospace Medicine Technician (AVT) of the Year for the Navy and Marine Corps.

The award is given for exceptional performance in operational aviation medicine, leadership, dedication, initiative, ethics and precision while serving in operational forces.

“HM1 was recognized for his work, specifically on the carrier’s last deployment,” said Master Chief Nikki Craig, Naval Air Force Atlantic. “He filled a gapped billet, performing a job meant for two people. His hard work set the standard for carriers to emulate with readiness.”

Turner has been working in aviation medicine since 2005. During his time aboard Harry S. Truman, he managed the scheduling and completion of all physical exams for over 5,000 Sailors assigned to the ship. He also led and managed aviation medical readiness and flight deck physicals for 700 personnel.

Despite the demands of being an aerospace technician, Turner said this day made everything worth it.

“I never thought I’d actually done enough,” said Turner. “I just did my job every day to the best of my ability. But it takes an act of leadership to be noticed and recognized.”

In addition to his primary responsibilities, Turner also led the hearing conservation program, occupational health program and all medical physical readiness waivers for the command.

Turner said that this award wouldn’t be possible without the support of his peers and chain of command.

“It’s an honor because this award represents all the work my team and my leadership contributed to the aviation medicine community. This is definitely the work of a collected, well-rounded medical department.”  

Harry S. Truman is currently moored at Naval Station Norfolk, conducting targeted maintenance and training, and remains operationally ready.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/USSTruman or www.navy.mil/local/cvn75/.

Get more information about the Navy from US Navy Facebook or Twitter.

For more news from USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), visit www.navy.mil/.