Last modified Wed., January 30, 2008 - 05:04 PM
Originally created Thursday, January 31, 2008

HSL-48 'Dirty Dragons' Arrive To Fifth Fleet

From HSL-48 Detachment Six

Above, five Sailors from HSL-48 Detachment Six participated in a frocking ceremony after entering the Fifth Fleet embarked on USS Winston Churchill. Photos courtesy of HSL-48

The "Dirty Dragons" of HSL-48 Detachment Six embarked in USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) entered the 5th Fleet in December 2007.

Immediately, the Detachment held a frocking ceremony and reenlistment ceremony. Detachment Six advanced five of its enlisted Sailors to the next paygrade with a detachment advancement rate of 56 percent.

In addition, the "Dirty Dragons" also celebrated a timely reenlistment of one of its Aircrewmen. Both of these milestones took place on Dec. 1, just as the ship made its way into the Red Sea and marked the one-month anniversary in support of the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Carrier Strike Group deployment.

Advancing Sailors were included in the ship's frocking ceremony presided over by Churchill Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Mark Oberley, and Executive Officer Lt. Cmdr. Kevin Borden, Executive Officer and CMDCM (SW/AW) Joseph Powers.

Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 2nd Class Cinvent Rampino is reenlisted by Lt. Micahel King.

Frocked personnel included Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Eric Fendall, Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 2nd Class(NAC) Tyler Thompson, Aviation Machinist's Mate 3rd Class(AW) Rennick Fingal, Aviation Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Brian Munter, and Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Justin Withrow.

Following the frocking ceremony, Detachment Six progressed to the flight deck to continue its festivities with Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 2nd Class (NAC) Vincent Rampino's reenlistment.

Rampino was discharged from the Naval Service by Lt. Michael King, Detachment Six Maintenance officer, and then reenlisted for six years.

Oberley and Chief Aviation Electrician's Mate (AW/SW) Michael Presley, Detachment Senior Enlisted Advisor, were present to congratulate him on his renewed commitment to serving in defense of our country.

Detachment Six has gotten off to a fine start during their early days of deployment, and the advancement and reenlistment of so many of its members is a testament to its determination, hard work and drive. The "Dirty Dragons" are extremely proud of all their members and this pride is validated by the successes in advancement and professional achievement.