NAVAIR Depot Jacksonville military recognized
By Susan Brink, NAVAIR Depot Jacksonville Public Affairs Specialist

On June 18, 2002, Commanding Officer (CO) Capt. Karl E. Yeakel, Naval Air Depot Jacksonville (NAVAIR Depot Jax), recognized several of the Depot’s active-duty military. As Executive Officer Capt. David J. Beck read several citations, the CO congratulated all of the recipients recognized for their past and present accomplishments.

Certificates of Appreciation (COA) were presented for the generosity shown and enthusiasm in support of the 2001 CCAR Holiday Party. Recipients of the COAs were: Cmdr. Edward Harter, AFCM John Bandor, AMC Randy Coates, and PR1 Robert Colgan.

Letters of Appreciation (LOA) were presented for the professionalism displayed in the planning, coordinating, and flawless execution of the NADEP Jacksonville’s 33rd Change of Command ceremony held on January 25, 2002. Recipients of the LOAs were: Cmdr. Joseph Bartley, Cmdr. Edward Harter, and AFCM John Bandor. The CO also presented each of them with a NAVAIR Coin and personally thanked them for a job exceptionally well done.

AMC Randy Coates received a Certificate of Appreciation from the United Service Organizations (USO) in recognition of his dedicated voluntary service to the men, women and families of our military and local community in assisting with “Paint the Town 2002.”

The National Defense Service Medal (NDSM) was presented to AK2 Malcolm Jeffcoat and SK2 Douglas Barth. The NDSM was reinstated pursuant to Executive Order 10448 in recognition for the sacrifices and contributions made by the Armed Forces in direct response to the terrorism attacks on the United States and to the long-term resolution of terrorism.

There were two recipients of the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. Capt. Stephen Clarke was presented the award for outstanding public service with the Boy Scouts of America, the Young Men’s Christian Association and the United Methodist Church for the period from 1 January 1993 to 1 May 2002. YN1 Larry Brown was presented the award for outstanding public services performed with the Arlington Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), Jacksonville Police Athletic League (PAL), Lake Lucina Youth Association, and the City Rescue Mission for the period from 1 September 1998 to 1 June 2002. The CO congratulated Clarke and Brown on the exemplary leadership in the community by the volunteer efforts they have demonstrated.

The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (NCM) was presented to AMC Jerry Freeze Jr. for meritorious service while serving as airframes leading Chief Petty Officer, Airframes Quality Assurance Representative, and Flight Engineer, Special Projects Patrol Squadron TWO from November 1999 to March 2002.

Lt. Cmdr. Terry Hart received a Gold Star in lieu of a 3rd NCM from Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Force Atlantic while serving as Mission Commander, Training Officer, Assistant Administration Officer and Aircraft Division Officer for Special Projects Patrol Squadron ONE from July 1999 to October 2001.

AM1 John Jensvold was frocked to first class petty officer.

– USN –

Photo taken by Amy Cheshire, NAVAIR Depot Jax Public Affairs Specialist.

Photo caption: NAVAIR Depot Jacksonville Commanding Officer Capt. Karl E. Yeakel presents YN1 Larry Brown with the award for outstanding public service.