Fourteen Naval Aviation Depot (NADEP) Cherry Point employees were honored Feb. 14 during an apprentice graduation ceremony held at the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point Officers’ Club. The event is held annually to recognize the accomplishments of depot personnel who complete a required apprentice training program and advance to the rate of Journeyworker.

Employee Development Division Training Specialist Dave Lazo welcomed the graduates and guests before introducing NADEP Commanding Officer Col Eugene Conti. The Colonel congratulated the graduates and spoke of their opportunities to advance if they have the desire to do so. He told the new journeyworkers they are the backbone of the depot and play a big part in its future.

Cherie Berry, North Carolina Department of Labor Commissioner, added her congratulations. She then talked about the role NADEP is playing in national security and said she is proud to have a facility such as the depot in the state.

Next, Vic Wickizer of the NADEP Training Committee individually introduced the graduates – Dennis A. Balaoing, Gunnar Heatwole, Matthew Rhodes, and Eldine Dixon (Aircraft Sheet Metal Mechanic); Jason Michels, Kevin Vogan, James E. Burns Jr., Michael Davis Jr., Jimmy Heath Jr., George Horne, and Clayton Brass III (Pneudraulic Systems Mechanic); Sandy Rudzinski and Andrew Taylor (Electronic Measurement Equipment Mechanic); and Michael Wishon (Machinist).

Conti and Berry presented certificates of completion to them on behalf of the Department of the Navy, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the North Carolina Department of Labor. Speaking on behalf of the entire group, three of the graduates – Brass, Rudzinski, and Wishon – expressed their thanks and appreciation to those who helped them complete their training.

Photo Caption: NADEP Commanding Officer Col Eugene Conti (left) and North Carolina Department of Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry (right) pose with the NADEP apprentice program graduates at the MCAS Officers’ Club, Feb. 14. (Photo by Larry Conley)