Photo By J Stokes | Petty Officer 2nd Class Karina Reid, an air traffic controller, poses for the camera...... read more read more
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Story by: Seaman Jah’mai Stokes
USS Wasp (LHD 1) Public Affairs
NORFOLK, Va. – Dedicated, motivated and hard charging are just a few but certainly not the least words that can be said about one WASP sailor. For the hundreds who are reading this and the thousands that may want to Google this person, the amphibious assault ship USS WASP (LHD 1) presents to all, Petty Officer 2nd Class Karina Reid, an air traffic controller.
Born and raised in Columbia, S.C., Reid decided to join the military following in the footsteps of her older sister who enlisted in the U.S. Air Force.
“When my sister joined the military I was at a crossroad in my life,” said Reid. “Since, I wanted to travel the world and experience different cultures; the Navy was the perfect fit because they deploy all over the world.”
Reid was sworn in as a U.S. sailor in February of 2007 not knowing anything about the AC rate, but she learned to love it, and ever since has been making waves in the lives of junior sailors by motivating and leading by example.
“I chose the AC rate because I thought it might be cool and it was the best choice given the other options,” said Reid. “Now with four years in the Navy as an AC I love it because we are the eyes and ears for pilots while they are completing their mission.”
Reid’s love for the Navy and the AC rate has not gone unnoticed. Her superiors view her as an exemplary sailor for all sailors to look up to.
“Reid has been a motivated sailor since day one,” said Chief Petty Officer Abran Dodge, an air traffic controller. “As a mentor to junior sailors, Reid serves as a model for others to work extremely hard, to get all qualifications necessary to be successful like she has done.”
To observe Reid’s demeanor and commitment to the Navy is representative of WASP’s motto, “#1 is not just a number on the hull, but an attitude,” Reid attributes her style to her mentor Petty Officer 1st Class Serena Andreano, an air traffic controller .
“AC1 is very soft spoken and mild mannered,” said Reid. “She doesn’t have to yell or do anything like that because people respect her. She gets things done and she believes that by helping others achieve she is achieving.”
With four years down and possibly 16 more to go, Reid hopes she will be able to retire from the Navy and instill in other sailors the teachings of Andreano, having a positive attitude, staying motivated and helping others.
“I am an AC because we are the 'elite of the fleet,' we help to protect pilots” said Reid. “I love the Navy because of the opportunities that they have afforded me and the camaraderie. I just hope that junior sailors will take advantage of the opportunities that the Navy offers them and to keep a positive attitude no matter what."
| Date Taken: | 07.06.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 07.08.2011 20:21 |
| Story ID: | 73468 |
| Location: | NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 178 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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