ACCS(AW/SW) Gary W. Sartain

Past Senior Enlisted Leader, Tactical Air Control Squadron 11 (TACRON 11)

13 July 2021 ACCS(AW/SW) Gary W. Sartain is from New River, AZ, and attended Barry Goldwater High School in Phoenix. Immediately after graduating, he enlisted in the United States Navy in July 1992. He completed Basic Training in San Diego, CA, and attended Air Traffic Control "A" and "C" School in Millington, TN.
 
His first duty station was USS Independence (CV-62) forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, where he completed multiple deployments and achieved the rank of Petty Officer Third Class. His second assignment was to Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facility (FACSFAC), San Diego, CA, where he was promoted to Petty Officer Second Class. His next assignment was to Tactical Air Control Squadron ELEVEN (TACRON-11), where he completed multiple deployments onboard USS Peleliu (LHA-5) and USS Boxer (LHD-4). While at TACRON-11, he earned his Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist designation, completed his Associate's Degree at Grossmont College (CA), and was promoted to Petty Officer First Class. He then transferred to NALF San Clemente Island, CA, where he served as Tower and Radar Chief, completed his Bachelor's Degree with Thomas Edison State College (NJ), and was promoted to the rank of Chief Petty Officer. His next set of orders sent him to USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6) home ported in San Diego, CA, where he completed two deployments. While onboard, he earned his Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist designation and was selected for advancement to Senior Chief Petty Officer. His sixth tour was to Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), St. Inigoes, MD. There he served as the Fleet Liaison for all shipboard air traffic control systems and related equipment and began working on his Master's Degree in Emergency Management and Homeland Security at Arizona State University.
 
His personal awards include the Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards), Navy Achievement Medal (6 awards), Good Conduct Medal (7 awards), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and numerous campaign, personal, and unit citations.