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Theodore Roosevelt Welcomes Sailors and Marines of VFA-106

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060516-14
Release Date: 5/16/2006 10:44:00 PM

By Lithographer's Mate Airman (SW) Jeremy Freehling, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs

USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, At Sea (NNS) -- The “Gladiators” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106, home-based at Naval Air Station Oceana, Va., are an integrated squadron performing carrier qualifications underway on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71).

Depending on what type of operations VFA-106 is conducting, the squadron has up to 45 enlisted Marines located throughout the different work centers.

“Marines work side by side the Navy guys in every shop, doing the same type of work. From airframes to power plants to maintenance, Marines are lending a hand,” said Marine Sgt. Kenneth Siejak.

What makes this transition to an integrated command easier for some Marines is that the overall squadron consists of both Marines and Navy.

“It was hard at first coming from a 100 percent green command and then working beside Navy personnel,” said Marine Cpl. Kimberly Moore. “However, the squadron consists of both Navy and Marine pilots, instructors, and even the executive officer of the squadron is a Marine.”

Even though they come from different branches of service, the working environment is all business, according to squadron members.

“There is no animosity between Marines and Sailors in this squadron. We are all on the same team trying to accomplish the same goal,” said Senior Chief Aircrew Survival Equipmentman John Dunlap.

While working as a team is essential to the success of VFA-106’s mission, both the Marines and Sailors still hold true to the traditions that their individual branches have. One of these areas is training outside of the squadron.

“Marine-specific training is more intense than Navy training. Such evolutions such as marital arts, small arms combat fighting, and going to the rifle range distinguishes them from their Navy counterparts. It is what makes them a Marine,” said Dunlap.

The main adjustment for these Marines is getting adjusted to life aboard a ship.

“It can be pretty confusing trying to get around an aircraft carrier, but Sailors are always helpful and direct us in the right location,” said Siejak.

“We are definitely different than the rest of the crew on board. We are Marines, and I have a lot of pride and get respect for being one,” said Moore. “Ship life is something we are not accustomed to, but the people we work with are always willing to help.”

“The bottom line is that even though we may differ in our branch affiliation, we are all in the United States military trying to accomplish the same mission,” said Dunlap.