USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, At Sea (NNS) — The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS
George Washington (CVN 73) recognized one of its Sailors for being the first
in her community to earn a third warfare qualification on board.
Enlisted Information Dominance Warfare Specialist (EIDWS) pin.
Aerographer’s Mate 2nd Class Karen Richards, from Ellendale, MO, earned the Enlisted Information Dominance Warfare Specialist (EIDWS) pin.
“Luckily, I have been privileged to have an immensely supportive chain of
command and an incredible division who pushed me and reminded me not to give
up,” said Richards.
Among the 18 aerographers aboard George Washington, she is the first to earn
three warfare qualifications.
Although she has already attained both the Enlisted Surface Warfare
Specialist (ESWS) and Enlisted Air Warfare Specialist (EAWS) qualifications,
Richards said she pursued the EIDWS to inspire her siblings and Sailors to
strive for excellence.
“Growing up, I wanted to be a role model to my five little brothers and show
them that anything is possible,” said Richards. “As I got older, I kept that
mentality.”
The qualification process for all three enlisted warfare pins involves four
separate parts. The common core qualification standards consist of policies,
concepts, and responsibilities within each respective warfare qualification.
The carrier-specific qualification standards contain a written examination and
oral board.
“It’s all about self-determination,” said Richards. “I will continue to have
the same motivation, drive, and mentality that has gotten me this far as a
Sailor and as an individual.”
George Washington and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 provide a
combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests
of the U.S., its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Loni Lopez, USS George Washington
Public Affairs