TR sailor earns AO of the Year Award - Around the Fleet

All Hands, Nov, 2003 by Camy L. Thompson

An Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom veteran aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) is this year's top aviation ordnanceman.

Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Travis Jordan, a native of Nashville, Tenn., is the recipient of the John W. Finn Aviation Ordnanceman of the Year Award, recognizing the top "AO" in the Navy. The award is named in honor of Lt. John W. Finn, the only aviation ordnanceman to ever receive the Medal of Honor.

"Receiving this award means we're the best," said Jordan. "It means a lot to my guys, too. All the hard work paid off not just for me, but for them too. They put me in the position to even be a candidate for this award."

This selection is made from a list of hundreds of active-duty personnel of the Navy and Marine Corps aviation ordnance community. "You have to stand out in your department and meet all your qualifications on time," said Jordan. "Then your department will submit a package similar to a Sailor of the Year package, except it's rating specific."

The ordnanceman picked for the award is usually from the E-5 or E-6 pay grade with 9 to 13 years of active duty service. "Eligibility is based on your performance, how much you accomplish and your record in general,' said Jordan.

Jordan said he decided "AO" was the rate for him after working in weapons department while still undesignated. "The best part about being an AO is the people you meet and the work you do," said Jordan. "You have to put your life in someone else's hands, and you learn to trust each other a lot."

Jordan, who is eligible for promotion to chief petty officer this year, said the award makes staying in the Navy all the sweeter.

"Winning this award gives you a different outlook," said Jordan. "Everyone is saying, 'Yes, you'll make chief, and you should go for warrant officer,' so I just plan on staying in for as long as they'll let me."

Jordan has been in the Navy for 17 years and reported aboard "TR" in May 2000, just in time for the aircraft carrier's record-setting Iron Man Cruise in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2001-2002.

Jordan looks forward to being presented with the award, but he knows he didn't do it alone.

"This is really a team effort, and I can't take credit for it by myself," said Jordan. "My junior personnel had to stand up and do the work, too. I owe all this to them."

Story by JOSN Camy L. Thompson, who is assigned to the public affairs office, USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)