ESWS By Renee Lambiris

I am sending you some pictures that Andre has taken of the nameplates that are displayed on the Mahan. Travis and Andre both decided to get their ESWS pins together, so they could motivate each other. They stayed up until all hours of the night studying and learning about all aspects of the ships systems, electrical, mechanical and operational. They had to memorize even the tiniest details about so many different jobs and areas of the ship.After studying their butts off for many nights.........and some nights Trav didn't feel like working on it anymore......that's when Andre would encourage him to go on........and then other nights Andre just felt like saying the heck with it...we need some sleep!......but Trav would encourage Andre to keep learning and memorizing....going through all different spaces of the ship and proving to the head of that department that you really know your stuff about that particular area of the ship. Then you have to get them to sign a paper saying that you have have proven that you are proficient in that particular area. Then after all that, Andre and Trav went up before a board of Chiefs and Officers to have questions about ALL the systems fired at them. What normally takes months to accomplish, Travis and Andre accomplished in three weeks. Because of this, Andre's ESWS pin is dedicated to Travis, and when he looks at his pin he remembers Travis and all the wonderful times they have shared together. I hope this explains alittle of the history behind this pin. It is an accomplishment to be proud of.