The Pacific Fleet has named USS Carl Vinson Sailor and San Diego resident Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) 1st Class (AW/SW) Omar Bamba its Aviation Boatswain's Mate of the year.
Lt. Cmdr. Tommy Edgeworth, Carl Vinson's aircraft handling officer, said of Bamba's honor:
"To compete for this award, you're not just competing with Carl Vinson Air Department first classes but every air department 1st class on the West Coast. To know that ABE1 Bamba won - it not only made him feel great but it was a point of pride for our entire air department."
According to the Navy, the responsibilities of an Aviation Boatswain's Mate including helping launch and recover naval aircraft "quickly and safely from land or ships."
Bamba says of the recognition he's received:
"This isn't my award, this is a V-2 award... If it wasn't for [my shipmates] helping me out and learning new things, I don't think I would've won."
The V-2 is a division of the Vinson's air department.
