When Cmdr. Eric Washington joined the U.S. Navy 20 years ago, he dreamt of making a difference through honor, courage and commitment.
Now, two decades later, his dream is realized as he becomes the first African-American to attain the rank of captain in the Reserve Full Time Support (FTS) Aerospace Maintenance Duty Officer (AMDO) community.
At an Oct. 1 ceremony in the atrium of the William A. Moffett Building, Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Rear Adm. C.J. Jaynes, program executive officer, Air ASW, Assault and Special Missions Programs (PEO (A)) and Washington’s wife, Jossie, attached captain shoulder boards to Cmdr. Washington’s uniform.
“Throughout his career, Eric’s met every challenge head on and has proven himself to be an innovative and inspiring leader,” Jaynes said. “This is an incredibly proud moment for Eric. To be able to punctuate your advancement in a stellar career as a first within your peer group makes this momentous occasion even more special.”
Active-duty and retired members of the AMDO community, Washington’s co-workers as well as family and friends were witness to the historical event.
Initiated in 1990, Reserve AMDOs serve as experts in Navy Reserve personnel management systems and aircraft systems acquisition and sustainment. This unique blend of skills brings an added strategic depth to naval aviation engineering, acquisition, logistics and maintenance at affordable cost. Additionally, this group of officers maintains knowledge of contracted logistics, naval aviation airworthiness and maintenance, and 14 Code of Federal Regulations (Aeronautics and Space) practices and policies.
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