Daniel Pridemore II and Christopher J. Day recently became the first trainees to complete the Journey-to-Journey (J2J) Developmental Program at the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Depot Cherry Point.

The J2J Program provides training and progression from one journey level to a higher journey level. The objective of the program is to develop skilled artisans to meet mission needs, attract and retain a diverse workforce, and develop career paths for employee growth. Through the requirements of the program, artisans acquire the necessary skills to become certified journeymen in a second related trade. This ensures that the graduates are highly qualified for their positions in support of the command’s relentless focus on quality.

NAVAIR Depot Cherry Point provides maintenance, engineering, and logistics support on a variety of aircraft, engines, and components for all branches of the U.S. armed forces. Employing almost 4,000 people, the depot is the only source of repair within the continental United States for many jet and rotary wing engines. It is the Navy’s center of excellence for rotary wing aircraft, providing engineering and logistics support for all Navy helicopters.

Pridemore, an inspector and evaluator in the Nondestructive Test and Inspection Shop, and Day, an aircraft engine mechanic in the F402/J79 Engine Repair and Test Shop, entered the program last summer and were promoted to their target levels on July 13. Their training leaders were Richard Paquin and Ruth Fisher, respectively.

“This program has given me a better overall knowledge of the nondestructive inspection field through hands-on training and working with other artisans,” Pridemore said.

“It is a valuable tool in enabling individuals to have a much more defined career path,” Paquin added, “and it provides promotion opportunities that have not been available in the past.”

“I’m glad to have gone through this program,” Day said. “It gave me more time and experience in the engine test cells than I would have gained by being promoted into the position. Because this program produces a certified person, it benefits the shop, the trainee, and the depot as well.”

NAVAIR provides advanced warfare technologies through the efforts of a seamless, integrated, worldwide network of aviation technology experts.

Photo Caption: At the NAVAIR Depot Cherry Point, Inspector and Evaluator Daniel Pridemore II operates computerized test equipment in the Nondestructive Test and Inspection Shop as part of the depot’s J2J Program. (Photo by Larry Conley)