Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic (CNAL) Rear Adm. Bruce H. Lindsey selected USS Harry S. Truman's (CVN 75) Chief Machinist's Mate (Nuclear) Anthony Normandin as the CNAL Engineer of the Quarter for the second quarter of 2017.

"I didn't know that I was even nominated for the award," said Normandin. "It is an honor to not only represent Truman but all of the East Coast carriers."

Normandin was nominated for the award by Senior Chief Machinist's Mate (Nuclear) Jeff Church, formerly Truman's reactor propulsion division leading chief petty officer. To be eligible for this quarter's CNAL Engineer of the Quarter, the Sailor had to be a senior chief or chief petty officer work in an engineering or reactor capacity, be assigned to an aircraft carrier, and display exceptional leadership and performance skills. Approximately 150 Sailors were eligible and in contention for the award among the six East Coast aircraft carriers.

"The enlisted engineer of the quarter is awarded by each [type commander] to recognize force readiness contributions from enlisted Sailors in an engineering rate, and to promote and encourage a standard of excellence among non-commissioned engineers," explained Church.

Among his superiors and colleagues, it was echoed how Normandin goes above and beyond his peers; being noted for his fairness in leadership and not allowing personal matters to influence his demeanor.

"Chief is more of a mentor to me than simply my boss," said Machinist's Mate (Nuclear) 1st Class Chris Hope, Truman's reactor propulsion division leading petty officer. "Chief Normandin literally embodies the position of chief petty officer. You can tell chief is experienced in mentoring Sailors. He is straightforward in his expectations, but is never overbearing."

Normandin works in Truman's reactor propulsion division where he is the One Plant Main Machinery Room leading chief petty officer. In this capacity, he supervises and trains 35 Sailors. While at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia, during a 30-day meticulous testing of the steaming system, Normandin worked an average of 18 to 20 hours per day and stood duty every two days for 30 days.

"Chief gets in the books," said Church. "He understands maintenance very well. His knowledge of [Planned Maintenance System] items, the pass down of those items, and his ability to demonstrate it, is exceptional. That's what made him the ideal candidate."

Normandin arrived aboard Truman in April 2015 and a ceremony date is yet to be slated where he will officially receive the award in front of the command.

Truman is currently underway conducting flight deck certifications in preparation for future operations.

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