BREMERTON, Wash. –
Eric Haslehurst, mechanical engineering technician, Code 260.1, Carrier Rotating Machinery, was recognized by Carrier Team One with the Excellence in Carrier Maintenance Award this April. The award recognizes innovation, leadership and notable contributions that meaningfully impact the carrier group’s shared mission.
Last year, Haslehurst helped diagnose a potential nozzle plate problem that had been vexing engineers and keeping internal turbines from running optimally. To do this, he spearheaded cross-functional meetings and coordinated repair strategies across the Department of the Navy enterprise to ensure efficiency and correct the problem. It was just one very important example of the type of work Haslehurst contributes every day.
“Eric’s biggest strength is his passion,” said Tony Crew, Haslehurst’s supervisor, Code 260.1, Carrier Rotating Machinery. “He has brought such a wealth of knowledge to our team. People are comfortable talking with him. He’s always asking the right questions and encouraging people. He deserves that award. He is a key member of our team.”
Haslehurst’s desire to serve his country led him to life of service, both in the military and now as a Navy civilian. His ability to understand and repair complex devices and systems has served himself and the nation well for several decades.
When he left his hometown of Las Vegas, Nevada, to join the Navy in 1991, he was looking for something new. Haslehurst spent the previous summer going to summer school to graduate early and join the military through the delayed entry program.
“Yeah, I get that Las Vegas is an Air Force town,” he said with a smile. “That wasn’t what I wanted. I’m different. The Navy was where I wanted to be.”
That initial step took him around the world — including 11 years aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). While stationed in duty stations as far flung as Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Haslehurst's career has led him far from the desert of Nevada and provided a calling.
During his military service, Haslehurst was diligent about learning the inner workings of the equipment he maintained. He became a trusted expert who other Sailors could rely on as they learned to operate and maintain that same equipment. While Haslehurst will be the first to admit that working on those machines was sometimes difficult, his decade+ of service is something he looks back on fondly.
“I enjoyed my job in the Navy,” he said. “Serving my country was something I’m very proud of. When I got out, I still felt I could contribute to the mission. I wanted to come to Bremerton.”
Haslehurst landed a job with Shop 38, Marine Machinery Mechanics, at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility, 22 years ago, and never looked back, even when he transferred to Code 260.1 17 years ago.
Over that time, Haslehurst has worked on countless projects; offering his in-depth knowledge and providing important feedback that ensured ships that came into drydocks needing work would leave ready to be in the fight.
“I understand the perspective of the war fighter,” he said. “I really enjoyed my job back then and serving my country. I just wanted to keep helping. This job is an opportunity to continue my service and help the people serving be more effective. I love it.”
Crew says he frequently pairs Haslehurst with newer members of his team to help them learn. He cites Haslehurst ability to keep the mission as a priority, his understanding of the shop’s abilities and limitations, his ability to tailor the work to particular situations as needed, and his knack for enabling effective teamwork with his peers as key reasons why he is so important to the success of those around him.
“Eric makes our team better,” Crew said. “It is really that simple. Everything he does adds to our team. As a mentor, as a friend, as an expert; Eric helps our code complete the mission.”
Making things better and finding answers to problems in the Controlled Industrial Area of PSNS & IMF are a big part of what Haslehurst does, but they don't tell the whole story about who he is.
In addition to his service at the shipyard, Haslehurst is also the president of a motorcycle association committed to helping veterans stay connected and find a community. His organization frequently runs charity events and outreaches to help serve veterans in need.
Service to others is ingrained in Haslehurst’s DNA. From a high school senior who took classes to enter the delayed entry program, from an aspiring Sailor looking to learn, to a passionate teammate looking for the answers to difficult problems, Haslehurst is dedicated to making the world around him better.
“You never know the impact you have,” Haslehurst said. “I never expected to get a letter from a two-star admiral about an award, but its humbling to be recognized. It’s an honor really, but it’s not why I do it. This is just who I am.”