Valley men ready for combat duty

Wasilla's Lawrence Brummer traveled to Everett, Wash., to learn how to become a Sailor as part of the Non-Prior Service Accession Course (NPSAC), which turns civilians into Sailors for Navy Reserves in eight weeks.

The decision to join the Naval Reserves is completely voluntary, and Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Brummer has his own reasons for joining.

"I joined to serve and protect our country and to further my education and leadership skills," he said.

Brummer is an information systems technician in the reserves.

His primary job consists of operating and maintaining the Navy's computer systems.

Brummer is the son of Donald and Madonna Brummer of Wasilla. He is a one-year Navy veteran.

"Helping to complete the Navy's missions and learning how to become a leader are very rewarding," Brummer said.

Another Valley resident, Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Alan Hartley, is waiting for deployment orders aboard the USS Nimitz.

Hartley, the son of James Hartley of Palmer and Alena Frank of Eagle River, is an aviation weapons handler on board the Nimitz.

"I assemble and build the bombs, missiles and rockets for the ship's aircraft," Hartley said.

Like many in the Navy, Hartley said he understands the importance of deploying on a regular basis.

"We need to show some of these countries that they can't bully other countries," Hartley, a two-year Navy veteran, said.

Hartley said the Navy has given him several opportunities to realize some of his personal goals.

"I want to see new places and have fun. I also want to save money," Hartley said.

Hartley's crew consists of more than 5,000, and they all are awaiting their deployment orders.

They have all received extensive training leading up to deployment.

Cynthia R. Smith is a U.S. Navy journalist assigned to the Navy Public Affairs Center at Naval Station in San Diego.