Among the three Sailors amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) who received their Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) pins June 25, one in particular stood out from the crowd.
Gas Turbine System Technician (Mechanical) 3rd Class Roxanne Rosalesurena , of Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 4, started the qualification process when the ship deployed in March.
Now Rosalesurena holds the distinction of being the first embarked Sailor to earn an ESWS pin on board the ship.
“It was a challenge because everything I learned was new,” said Rosalesurena, who started the qualification process upon departing with New York on its first deployment.
Established in 1978 by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. T.B. Hayward, the ESWS was designed to reflect a Sailor’s level of professional knowledge and qualification on U.S. Navy surface combat ships.
“I feel proud of myself for getting my ESWS and doing it on New York was great, knowing what this ship represents,” said Rosalesurena.
Senior Chief Operations Specialist James Hay had the privilege of pinning Rosalesurena and was extremely proud of her accomplishment.
“She shows the quality of Sailors we’re getting in the Navy today because she has the drive, ambition, and initiative to better herself,” said Hay.
New York is part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group with the embarked 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. New York is currently on its maiden deployment in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , July 2, 2012