Getting Pinned

Last Friday Jack got pinned. In Navy terms, this means that he received his Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (aka ESWS) qualification. He had to learn all about the different jobs and departments in the Navy, different equipment, his ship, etc. In other words, he had to know basically EVERYTHING. He had to take a written test and then do two strenuous oral boards that lasted about 3 hours each. He passed all 3 tests with flying colors and was even complimented on how well he knew the information. I am VERY proud of him for for this as well as all of the other accomplishments he has made in his Navy career thus far. His new title is HT2(SW) Winters.

Captain Stanley of the USS Frank Cable congratulating and giving Jack his certificate.

This is Jack's friend and co-worker, HT1 Paxton, pinning him. He had to choose someone to pin him who has been a mentor and has helped him through the long process of getting the ESWS qual.