Master Sergeant Retires After 22 Years With USAF
Master Sergeant Retires After
22 Years With USAF
Master Sergeant James P. Rebman of Newtown officially retired on March 6 from the US Air Reserve after 22 years of service to the US Navy and US Air Force. MSgt Rebman began his career 29 years ago on March 9, 1983, when he enlisted in the US Navy at Fort Hamilton, N.Y.
He trained as an interior communications electrician (electronics technician) and served on board two nuclear powered submarines, the first being the USS James Monroe SSBN622, blue crew from 1984 to 1985, participating in three, three-month strategic deterrent ballistic missile patrols in the North Atlantic out of Holyloch, Scotland. There he completed his submarine warfare qualifications and was awarded his Submarine Silver Dolphins Warfare Pin.
In 1986, he transferred to New London where he was instrumental in the USS Louisville SSN 724 commissioning, at the time the Navyâs newest fast attack nuclear submarine. While on board, Petty Officer 3rd Class Rebman took the Louisville on a coastal transfer to its new home port of San Diego, Calif., before being honorably discharged in 1988.
While onboard the Louisville PO3 Rebman participated in the following ceremonial Navy Traditions: Plank Owner, for the commissioning of US Naval Ship; The Order of the Ditch, for transiting through the Panama Canal on a US Naval Vessel; and The Shell Back Ceremony, for crossing the equator on a US Naval ship.
In 1995 Mr Rebman enlisted in the US Navy Reserve, Construction Battalion. Then in 1997 he transferred over to the US Air Force Reserve, serving with the 58th Aerial Port Squadron Westover Air Reserve Base in Massachusetts. While in The USAF reserve, he achieved the senior non-commissioned officer rank of master sergeant (E-7) in the Air Transportation Career Field, coordinating the loading and movement of USAF cargo, passengers and troops.
After 9/11, MSgt Rebman was deployed the Middle East three times: in 2002 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, in 2008 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and in 2010 in support of Iraq Operation Iraqi Freedom. For his deployments and service to the USAF, along with the associated campaign and expeditionary medal, MSgt Rebman has received three USAF Commendation medals and a Meritorious Service medal.
MSgt Rebmanâs career came full circle when in January of this year he completed his final annual tour with US Air Force, at Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii. While there, MSgt Rebman spent his last night on the US Navy Submarine Base at Pearl Harbor and was able to visit the USS Louisville SSN 724, the submarine on which he completed his Naval service on in 1988.
A ceremony and party took place at the Veterans of Foreign War Post #308 in Newtown in February. The event was officiated by USAF Chief Master Sergeant Henry Lojuk, Master Sergeants Scott Trumble, Thomas Kosa, and John Velky, along with US Navy Chief Petty Officer Daniel Kearns.
Mr Rebman is the senior vice commander of the VFW Post #308 and works as an electronics technician at the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury.
He is most thankful, he said, to his wife Veronica, son James Jr, and daughter Kate Dolly, who have supported him and sacrificed the most.