FACSFAC SOY back from Iraq

He has proven himself to be a tremendous leader and an exceptional air traffic controller (ATC) who exemplifies the characteristics and traits of today's Sailor. His superior dedication, unique talent of balancing the needs of his Sailors, the mission and the Navy led to his selection as FACSFAC Jax Sailor of the Year for 2007.

Kerns volunteered for one of the first ATC rate IA billets in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) at Al Taqaddum, Iraq. Within two months, he qualified on all ATC control positions. To date, he is one of only three members of MACS-2 ATC Det B who is fully qualified.

His skillful leadership of Sailors and Marine Corps controllers led to more than 28,000 instrument and visual mishap free operations in support of OEF.

While in Iraq, Kerns earned the enlisted Fleet Marine Force Warfare Specialist (FMF) designation. This is a true testament to his dedication to career progression.

Lt. E.J. Drey, FACSFAC Jax ATC officer, is extremely proud of Kerns. "He has displayed the core values of our Navy with great distinction. And he has proven to everyone in our command that volunteering for an IA billet not only helps complete the mission but can be very rewarding on a personal level," remarked Drey. "His selection as one of the finalists for the Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic (COMNAVAIRLANT) Shore Sailor of the Year is testament to his integrity and patriotism for his country."

As FACSFAC Jax ATC training branch chief, an E-7 billet, Kerns expertly managed and guided 42 ATCs through an extensive and complex training program, including 1,500 training hours, produced six supervisor designations and 26 ATC qualifications.

He has received three letters of appreciation from the Federal Aviation Administration Jacksonville Center for his dynamic management of airspace during periods of inclement weather.

FACSFAC Jax Commanding Officer Cmdr. Curtis Stubbs stated that Kerns has gone well-beyond what we expect from our Sailors today.

The late Adm. Robert Pirie understood the importance of the ATC rating after the establishment of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958. Pirie fought for and succeeded in keeping this Navy rating alive.

"AC1 Kerns is a product of that struggle 50 years ago. His ground-breaking performance as a forward controller in Iraq will serve as a template for future air operations and the lessons learned will further justify forward deployed controllers," said Stubbs. "I could not ask for a better Sailor to lead my troops or represent this command than AC1 Kerns!"

On receiving the news of his selection as FASCFAC Jax Sailor of the Year and ATC of the Year and nomination as Naval Air Force Atlantic Sailor of the Year, Kerns was happy and shocked. "I just try to do my job to the best of my ability and take care of my Sailors," he said.

COMNAVAIRLANT will announce their Sailor of the Year tomorrow in a ceremony in Norfolk, Va. Kerns is among five nominees from various other aviation shore commands subordinate to Naval Air Force Atlantic.