"This workshop is held specifically for our rate," said Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Aircraft Handling) Jorenged Font. "During these meetings, our community creates ways to improve how our rate operates. We aren't just Sailors, we are a family."

Reoccurring issues are addressed and solved. The voice of the junior Sailor is valued highly within this association.

"For example, we have made improvements to the headset for additional hearing protection," said Font. "This has been injuring Sailors in our rate for decades, and it's amazing to see that we have eliminated this problem."

Sailors within the Aviation Boatswain's Mate community have a bond like no other. They take pride in the naval heritage of their rate. The Aviation Boatswain's Mate rate was established in 1944, well after the rate of Boatswain's Mate in 1794.

"This event means a lot to me," said Font. "I'm proud to be part of this rate. My rate is one of the oldest in the Navy. Also, a lot of rates don't coordinate workshops so I'm honored to be able to provide this experience to junior Sailors. There are even retired AB's that attend the event. They support the active duty Sailors with their knowledge and experience. Their advice is taken into consideration when decisions are made. Just because they are retired doesn't mean anything to me, it's about respect. Their voices are still heard. This conference gives me the opportunity to give back to my community and make this rate better for future Sailors."

Each year an AB Sailor is selected from the east and west coast to represent their respective AB community. During the symposium, two newly selected AB chief selects received recognition for their efforts, which included the Sailor of the Year award.

"Being a chief select, my new role is to provide insight from a leadership perspective and focus on developing ideas the junior Sailors have," said Chief (Sel) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuels) Eleazer C. Rodriguez, assigned to Transient Personnel Unit, Norfolk. "I can use this opportunity to restore the passion and pride for my rate. I will make my voice heard."

"The significance of this event is that it allows Sailors to learn about the heritage of the AB community," said Chief (Sel) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Launching and Recovering Equipment) Michael Kwon, assigned to USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) in San Diego. "The expectation is to learn from different programs and workshops to make improvements in the fleet."
This year's symposium welcomed a special guest, the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy. He provided additional insight and placed an emphasis on communication, especially within a rate.

"There's extreme value added whenever there is an opportunity to put a community in one room and discuss what impacts that specific community and their operations," said MCPON Steven S. Giordano. "Sailors from various platforms and commands share best practices to support war-fighting efforts."

The ABMA continues to adapt to the needs of its Sailors in order to keep them updated with the changes in technology.

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