Joined the Navy in 1971, entered into the Air Traffic Control rating. First served aboard the USS America CVA-66 from 1971 to 1974. Departed ship as AC3, having been selected to AC2. Reported to NAS Cecil Field Florida Air Traffic Control Division. Qualified all positions in both towers, facility rated and certified by FAA. Was tower supervisor from 1976 to 1980. Made Chief Petty Officer, transferred to Tactical Air Control Squadron Twenty One. Responsible for the planning, coordination and execution of air traffic control services in conjunction with close air support during amphibious assault operations. Served at TACRON 21 from 1980 to 1984.Transferred to NAS Cecil Field, Florida. Served in the Air Traffic Control Division from 1984 to 1985. Left service in 1985 due to personality clash with Division Officer. I disagreed with the way he was treating his Chiefs; he threatened to change my Rating.Returned to active service in July 1986, only to find my Rating had truly been changed. Now I was an Aviation Administrationman (AZ). Reported aboard the USS Coral Sea CV-43 for duty in the Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department. Proved my capabilities within a matter of months and was assigned as Maintenance Chief in charge of Production Control. Left the ship in Oct 1989.Reported to NAS Cecil Field, Florida Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department. Served there from 1989 to 1993, when I retired as Senior Chief.My fields of expertise are air traffic control, leadership, motivation, planning and coordination.Improvise, overcome, adapt! When in doubt; ask the chief!