Jeffrey A Berger AD2 (AC)

NHA LTM # 139, Helobubbas Facebook Group Admin

Jeff Berger grew up in Stewartsville NJ and graduated from Warren County Vo-Technical School studying food service. After high school he chose a different career path and began working at Ingersoll Rand as a drill press operator then a crane operator. While working at Ingersoll Rand, Jeff had the chance to work on components of the Trident Nuclear submarine as Ingersoll Rand was a defense contractor for the Navy. During that time, his interest in aviation grew. In 1981 the decision was made to enlist in the Navy as an Aviation Machinist Mate.

Jeff was assigned to VA 42 from 1981-1983 working in the line shack. After departing NAS Oceana for pilot quals at Key West, He was invited into the cockpit of a C9 where he was told to sit in the right seat. This would be a pivotal point for Jeff’s Naval service. It was after that while watching hoisting operations conducted by NAS Oceana Rescue, that he requested and terminated shore duty to accept a flying billet. Jeff attended NACCS in Pensacola and FRAC at HC-3 in San Diego. While at HC 3, Jeff was summoned to meet with then Commanding Officer John Mann. Commander Mann paid particular interest in sailors who exhibited officer material. Commander Mann expressed his interest in recommending him to become an officer. Jeff declined the invitation due to the lack of college and his determined goal to obtain his gold aircrew wings. He ultimately was assigned to HC-6 in Norfolk VA where he would serve until the end of his enlistment in March 1987.

After reporting to HC-6 in 1984, Jeff earned his 2^nd Aircrew status in 4 months and 2 months later was designated as 1^st Aircrew. He logged 979 hours in the H-46 helicopter. Jeff worked extremely hard to obtain his wings never giving in to any obstacle that would present itself. He prided himself in teaching others what they needed to know in order to be a successful Aircrewmen.

Jeff deployed on the USS Vancover LPD 2, USS Lexington AVT 16, USS John F Kennedy CV 67, USNS Sirius T- AFS 8, and USS Savannah AOR 4. He deployed twice both Med cruises – 1984-1985 and 1986-1987 aboard the USS Savannah AOR-4. ADC Don West trusted his work so much that rules were bent that would make Jeff a valuable det member utilizing his in-depth knowledge.

During Jeff’s enlistment he was meritoriously advanced to Airman Apprentice upon graduation from bootcamp. He attended the following schools; Plane Captain for both the A6 Intruder and CH-46 Sea Knight, FRAMP for A6 Power Plant and related systems, Naval Aviation Maintenance W/C MGMT, LSE School, Helo Indoc & Handling, CH 46 Helicopter Mechanics OMA Course. Collateral duties

 included NDI inspector, GSE Petty Officer, Safety Petty Officer, Lead Aircrew 86-87 USS Savannah AOR-4 Deployment. Jeff obtained the rank of AD2 prior to the expiration of his enlistment.

Jeff’s personal decorations are Battle E (4 awards), Good Conduct Award, Sea Service (2 deployments), Meritorious Unit Citation. Jeff also received a Boeing Rescue Citation and a Letter of Commendation USS Savannah AOR-4 84-85 deployment.

He departed the US Navy in 1987 after a 5 ½ year enlistment.

In addition to Jeff’s military accomplishments, he was a volunteer fireman for over 20 years including the City of Virginia Beach as a Level III Firefighter during his time in the Navy. He also served as an EMT, Rescue Diver, and was Assistant Chief of Blue Valley Rescue Squad.

After departing the Navy, Jeff began a career at UPS for nearly 34 years as a delivery driver, tractor trailer driver, and finally applying the skills he learned, performing safety duties fulltime handling as many as ten buildings, implementing PowerPoint safety presentations via networking along with mentoring.

Jeff has been married to his wife LuAnn since 1988. They have one child Ryan who is married. Jeff has one grandson.