Freddie Dawkins, a pneudraulics methods mechanic at Fleet Readiness Heart East (FRCE), celebrated his retirement from federal service after 70 years of mixed navy and civilian service.
FRCE Commanding Officer Capt. James M. Belmont acknowledged Dawkins’ accomplishments throughout a ceremony on the depot July 27.
“Mr. Dawkins has had a unprecedented profession,” Belmont stated. “For seventy years, he has devoted himself to serving our nation. It’s outstanding when you consider it. He has served beneath each U.S. president since Eisenhower. He exemplifies dedication and devoted service.”
Dawkins’ prolonged federal service profession started January 1, 1953, when he enlisted within the U.S. Air Pressure within the plane and engine mechanic profession area. Dawkins was 17 years previous on the time.
“As soon as I acquired in and acquired over being nervous, it was the most effective factor that occurred to me,” stated Dawkins. “It was strict nevertheless it taught us self-discipline. It taught us to be males, as a result of once we got here in, we had been simply youngsters. I grew up within the Air Pressure.”
Within the early a part of his navy profession, Dawkins served within the distinguished Strategic Air Command, in addition to the thirty first Fighter Wing at Turner Discipline, Ga., the place he labored with the legendary Tuskegee Airmen.
Dawkins served excursions within the Republic of Vietnam between 1966 and 1969. He acquired the Air Medal — with 5 oak leaf clusters, representing 125 fight missions flown — and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
After 26 years of navy service, Dawkins retired from the Air Pressure January 31, 1979. It wouldn’t be lengthy nonetheless, earlier than he was as soon as once more serving his nation.
Dawkins used the Montgomery GI Invoice to check plane and engine upkeep. He then labored with a navy contractor, engaged on C-5 Galaxy plane, for a short time earlier than taking a federal service place at Naval Air Station Alameda in California. This marked the beginning of Dawkins’ 44 years of civilian federal service.
Dawkins labored as a pneudraulics methods mechanic — disassembling, assembling, repairing and overhauling numerous turbine compressor assemblies each day — with Naval Air Methods Command since January 1981.
He acquired orders to relocate to the Naval Aviation Depot, now generally known as Fleet Readiness Heart East, at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Level in January 1995.
“I used to be glad right here,” stated Dawkins. “Once we transferred right here, my household and I got here to a brand new space and a brand new job. We had been accepted and blended in. I’ve had fun. I used to be in a position to do what I wanted to do and do what I cherished to do.”
Recognized to all on the depot as “Mr. Fred,” Dawkins was well-known at FRCE for his work ethic and in depth experience.
“He exhibits as much as work early and is able to go when the bell rings,” stated Michael VanWolput, the supervisor for FRCE’s Starters and Generators store and Auxiliary Energy Unit and Gasoline Controls store. “He doesn’t fiddle. He is likely one of the finest employees I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with.”
VanWolput stated Dawkins’ introduced a wealth of experience to the depot, gained by means of seven a long time of expertise working in aviation upkeep.
“He is introduced a lot to the store, particularly about disassembly and meeting of the older-style models,” stated VanWolput. “These are models that are not quite common anymore as a result of these specific plane are going away. He is aware of all these models.”
Dawkins was beneficiant in sharing his experience. He credited the mentorship he acquired all through his profession as an important factor to his success.
“Are available with a constructive perspective and be keen to study and take the recommendation from the senior individuals,” stated Dawkins. “Do not sit nonetheless. Get in, do your job, and listen. You do these issues and may be capable of advance, it doesn’t matter what your profession area is.”
Based on VanWolput, Dawkins did greater than listen and do his job, he personified dedication and dedication throughout his 70 years of service.
“Seeing how lengthy he is been doing this — and he loves it — you understand simply how utterly devoted he’s to supporting the conflict fighter and America,” stated VanWolput. “He can be missed.”
FRCE is North Carolina’s largest upkeep, restore, overhaul and technical companies supplier, with greater than 4,000 civilian, navy and contract employees. Its annual income exceeds $1 billion. The depot gives service to the fleet whereas functioning as an integral a part of the higher U.S. Navy; Naval Air Methods Command; and Commander, Fleet Readiness Facilities.
Be taught extra at www.navair.navy.mil/frce or https://www.fb.com/FleetReadinessCenterEast.
