Aviation Boatswain's Mates Association

By Senior Airman Ashley Hawkins, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

NURISTAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan (NNS) -- A Sailor assigned to Nuristan Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) force protection, was awarded a combat action ribbon and promoted to petty officer third class during a ceremony Feb. 5 at Forward Operating Base Kalagush.

Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuels) 3rd Class Robert Wagner, a native of Knoxville, Tenn., earned the promotion through the Combat Meritorious Advancement Program (CMAP) in recognition for his heroic actions in early November 2009 which helped repel an enemy attack on an observation post in Nuristan Province. While standing guard at an entry control point, Wagner quickly responded to the enemy attack and fired 800 rounds of M-240B ammunition.

The CMAP is a promotion program that promotes Sailors who have served in combat during Operation Iraqi or Enduring Freedom.

"The CMAP is a very positive, good thing for Sailors who have gone way beyond what is expected, and it allows us to recognize their good overall standings," said Cmdr. Rodney Ottinger, U.S. Navy PRT executive officer.

Wagner said he was surprised when he learned of the promotion.

"I'm very excited about the promotion," said Wagner, who enlisted in the Navy in October 2006. "It's weird because I've waited a long time for it. It kind of doesn't even feel like it happened."