There...and back

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Charlie Miller
  • 445th Airlift Wing
NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, Va. - --  Staff Sergeants Roger Dils and Michael Maurer, members of the 87th Aerial Port, have returned to their roots; both served 10-plus years with the U.S. Navy. Now the sergeants, and former petty officers, are back with the fleet but they are not part of it. Just visiting this time.

Sergeant Dils was based here at Norfolk back in the 80's. No need to ship out again on the U.S.S. John F. Kennedy for another six to nine month on the seas, Sergeant Dils has, as the cliché goes, been there, done that.

"The Navy was good to me, but I felt it was time for a new career perspective," the sergeant said. "I have no plans on returning to the Navy. I've crossed over and have really enjoyed my Air Force Reserve career." The sergeant has been with the 87th APS since 1998.

A jet aircraft mechanic and master-at-arms while with the Navy, Sergeant Dils, like Sergeant Maurer serves the aerial port squadron as an air transportation journeyman. Sergeant Maurer was a hull technician, which focused on welding, then a builder with the Sea Bees during his Navy time.

He and Sergeant Maurer were at Norfolk for their annual tour, participating in Patriot Partner 2008.

"It's a lot nicer this time," Sergeant Maurer said about being at Norfolk. The sergeant was not stationed here but visited a few times. He has been with the 87th since 2003. "The Navy is still very strong on tradition."

Obviously, with the amount of time both sergeants spent in the Navy, rank reorganization and organizational structuring have not been an issue. The two have been looked upon for advice and guidance from some of the APS members who had never worked with the Navy.

"Generally, across the board, the systems are all the pretty much the same here," Sergeant Maurer said. "The Navy does business the same way we do."

The sergeants brought to the Air Force Reserve skills learned in the Navy.

"Being a professional, having a strong military bearing, being a leader," Sergeant Dills said. "Truthfully, being a jet mechanic with the Navy and being an aerial port member with the Air Force Reserve are pretty different but mentoring younger troops is exactly the same and that's what I'll continue to do here at Norfolk and back home at Wright-Patt."

Sergeant Maurer also mentors younger members of the port.

"I tell them 'Don't sit back, take your career by the horns. If there's a class available, take it.' I went to every class I could to gain knowledge at the APS and I want to continue here as far as the leadership will let me. If I can make master sergeant, fine; senior master sergeant, fine."

Both sergeants have fond memories of their Navy days.

"I do miss the bonds, the camaraderie, friendships but it is different level, a better level of respect here with the Air force Reserve," Sergeant Maurer said.

"I can relive some old memories," Sergeant Dils said. "It feels good to be back on a Navy base but I'm here to support the troops by helping ship cargo to military installations around the world."