By Marina Sanchez, NAVAIR Public Affairs

Froilan Hermoso saves lives. Neither a spinning turbine, nor mounds of paper work could even begin to slow him down. He raises money for the poor and spends time with his family, teaching his children to love the world in which they live. He's not a super hero, but he's pretty darn close. He's Froilan Hermoso, the Leading Petty Officer for the Physical Mechanical/Dimensional Shop 6.2.4.2. He is an electrician's mate 1st class (SW) stationed at the Navy Southwest Region Calibration Center at NAVAIR's North Island, Calif., depot.

Hermoso joined the Navy 17 years ago, when he realized the potential he had in him to make a difference.

Born in the Philippines, as a teenager Hermoso worked as a mechanic's intern. It wasn't long before he realized it was what he wanted to do with his life. Competing against 40,000 other applicants, Hermoso began the long process toward becoming a part of the U.S. Navy.

He attended interview after interview, and took test after test before the selection process was complete. A year later, he became part of one the most advanced, outcome driven organizations in the entire world, and immediately moved to the United States to begin his career.

Hermoso, a citizen of the Philippines and the United States, is stationed in San Diego and is serving his first shore duty. While in the fleet, he was unaware of NAVAIR's influence on the world he worked in. In fact, he embarrassingly admits, he thought they just flew planes.

All that has changed, and Hermoso now has a much better understanding of NAVAIR. He is amazed by the people he works with, finding them to be intelligent and motivated. He and his co-workers put in long, hard days to insure that their instruments and equipment represent the highest standard in warfare technology, and that these instruments maximize the speed, stealth, power and precision guaranteed to the warfighter by NAVAIR.

With the completion of over 400 injury-free on-site tests, and the calibration and repair of more than 5,000 physical-dimensional instruments including pressure gauges, weight scales, torque wrenches and dial gauges, Hermoso now knows how committed NAVAIR is to assuring the fleet reliable, accurate and precise equipment in a timely and exact manner.

Hermoso's dedication has not gone unnoticed by his superiors. According to Captain Peter J. Laszcz, Commanding Officer at NAVAIR North Island, Hermoso "works hard to bring out the best in each individual by tailoring his style to the person and task at hand. His charismatic management abilities, outstanding morals and superb people skills make him the epitome of what the Navy strives for in their sailors."

Froilan's super powers do not end there, however. His life is much more than just his job. Hermoso carries the "service with a smile" attitude he learned from NAVAIR into his community. "For me," he says, "[community service] is very rewarding. It's a way to connect with the people in my life. It's a way for me to share my talents and return blessings to those less fortunate than myself."

"After September 11," Hermoso continues, "I realized we don't live alone. We have the freedom to help others and choose what we want to do. Maybe if people see me, then they'll think they can do it too. If everybody pitched in a little, what a nice place this world would be."

Hermoso sees a connection between his work in the navy and his community service. The fleet's wish is his command; he responds not because of pressure, but because he is dedicated and passionate about his potential to contribute.

He's not a superhero. He's an ordinary human being, but there is something special about Froilan Hermoso. Hermoso won't watch the game from the sidelines. He wants to make a difference. His experiences in the Navy, and most recently, his experiences with NAVAIR, have opened his eyes to a beautiful country worth protecting, a life worth endearing and a mission more than worth achieving.

NAVAIR provides advanced warfare technology to the American Warfighter. Located in eight principal sites around the country, NAVAIR provides precision naval aviation technologies in sensors, aircraft, weapons, training, launch & recovery systems, and communication. NAVAIR warfare technology is delivering transformational service to the US Navy, to all other Department of Defense services, as well as military organizations of allies around the world. For more information about the Naval Air Systems Command, go to www.navair.navy.mil.

Photo by Bill Bartkus, NAVAIR North Island Public Affairs Office

Photo Caption: EM1 (SW) Frolian Hermoso uses a gauge block to calibrate a 16-inch micrometer, which measures cylinders and shafts, in the Navy Southwest Region Calibration Center at NAVAIR North Island, Calif.