Official U.S. Navy website - Commander Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet

Release Date: 4/20/2009 9:00:00AM

By Intelligence Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Tammy Alexander, TACRON 11 Public Affairs Officer

CORONADO, CA---Rear Admiral Kendall L. Card, Commanding Officer Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3, enjoys meeting Sailors at sea and on the home front. On April 14, 2009, Rear Adm. Card spent approximately one hour talking with Sailors from Tactical Air Control Squadron (TACRON) 11. He and ESG-3 Command Master Chief (SW/AW/NAC) David R. Selmier answered questions from several Sailors. Questions varied from the new working uniforms to the hopeful return of the recently disestablished selective reenlistment bonuses.

Operations Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) David Dahl observed the new uniforms and asked about the benefits of the digi-blues vice the current green and brown camouflage uniforms. Master Chief Selmier responded, stating the new working uniforms have a more stream-lined appearance and fit, elasticized pockets for quick retrieval of items (no more buttons to undo first) and a quick roll down sleeve for better response time in case of a ship-board emergency.

When Air Traffic Controller 2nd Class (AW) Devon Barnhill asked about the removal of selective reenlistment bonuses in the Navy budget, Rear Adm. Card said “Bonuses were, and still are, a shaping tool for the Navy.” He went on to say that advancement opportunities, the main shaping tool the Navy uses, will increase for those Sailors who reenlist despite the lack of an immediate bonus. Rear Adm. Card did state that it is possible reenlistment bonuses will be reinstated in the future, but that will depend on the state of the Navy at that time.

This is the second time Sailors from TACRON-11 had an opportunity to meet Rear Adm. Card. Det. 3 recently returned from a regularly scheduled deployment during which Rear Adm. Card had the opportunity to award several warfare specialist designations to TACRON-11 Sailors while deployed with USS Peleliu.

TACRON-11, based at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, Calif., is home to more than 100 Sailors and Marines who provide air traffic control and integration of air operations in support of Expeditionary Strike Groups. TACRON-11 Sailors represent a myriad of different naval ratings from operations specialists and air traffic controllers to culinary specialists and yeomen.