OKINAWA, Japan - Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Stephen R. Berger, a native of Hollywood, Florida, has been designated the Senior Sailor of the Quarter for the second quarter of 2019 by Commander Robert Wilkerson, Commanding Officer of Patrol Squadron (VP) 5.

Petty Officer Berger is an aviation structural mechanic for the P-8A Poseidon aircraft, which is part of an aviation platform that operates as part of the United States Navy Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aviation community.

A 2001 graduate from Davie Academy High School, Berger now serves as the leading petty officer (LPO) in the airframes work center of VP-5. “As the Airframes LPO, I am responsible for the safe upkeep and inspection of the P-8A aircraft airframes systems to include structural integrity, hydraulic systems, and landing gear systems,” said Berger.

As a senior enlisted sailor, Berger takes pride in educating and developing the junior sailors he oversees.

“I truly enjoy watching my sailors grow and master their rates. The sense of pride they feel when they accomplish something that they never thought they would, makes all the hardships worth it,” said Berger.

Petty Officer Berger is optimistic about the future of his naval career and the challenges that are to come.

“I often feel that my day-to-day routine is an accomplishment if I am able to create better processes that can be implemented in the future of my career field,” Berger said. “I do not feel that I have reached my peak yet, and I know there will be many more milestones to look back on once my career comes to an end.”

Berger’s adherence to the Navy core values of honor, courage, and commitment will continue to lay the foundation for many future sailors.

The “Mad Foxes” of VP-5, who are based out of Jacksonville, Florida, are currently deployed to Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa, Japan. Throughout the deployment, they will be conducting maritime patrol and reconnaissance and theater outreach operations within the 7th Fleet area of operations.

Photo Caption: OKINAWA, Japan (May 12, 2019) ̶ Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Steve Berger, assigned to Patrol Squadron (VP-5) Five, removes the engine access panel in order to complete inspections. A successful inspection is crucial to our aircraft's ability to fulfill its tasks here on deployment. The "Mad Foxes" of VP-5 are currently deployed to Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa, Japan conducting maritime patrol and reconnaissance and theater outreach operations within U.S. 7th Fleet (C7F) area of operations in support of Commander, Task Force 72, C7F, and U.S. Pacific Command objectives throughout the Indo-Asia Pacific region.