Sarah Caroline
Calkins

Summary

I've spent over two decades building high-performing teams and managing complex operations in aviation maintenance and logistics. Most recently, I led training programs for 162 personnel while overseeing $7.2 million in equipment assets and managing a Foreign Object Debris program that earned best-in-wing recognition. I specialize in turning compliance requirements into operational excellence—whether that's achieving 100% training completion rates, reducing response times by 26%, or mentoring teams that deliver zero-defect audits.

Impact

Experience

1. 2022-2026

   Training & Operations Manager

   VR-54, U.S. Navy · New Orleans, LA

   • Led 16 personnel in the completion of 41 maintenance qualifications including six plane handlers, 20 support equipment licenses, eight wing walker/brake riders, and seven fuel surveillance technicians, increasing work center readiness by 35 percent.
   • Managed the command Foreign Object Debris (FOD) program across 181 personnel, conducting 38 FOD walkdown evolutions while ensuring 100 percent Naval Aviation Maintenance Program (NAMP) compliance, resulting in the program being evaluated as best-in-wing during the Commander, Fleet Logistics Support Wing (CFLSW) Maintenance Program Assessment.
   • Led three team members in managing and administering annual training requirements as the Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 54 (VR-54) Training Leading Petty Officer (LPO), achieving 100% completion across 162 personnel for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23).
   • Led three personnel as Training Leading Petty Officer (LPO) in managing and executing the organization's General Military Training (GMT) requirements for fiscal year 2024, achieving a 100 percent completion rate. Processed 111 organization-wide school requests, developed 12 drill weekend schedules, conducted 36 training days and 12 Planning Board For Training meetings, completed two High Risk of Isolation trainings, and provided political guidance training to all organizational personnel.

2. 2018-2022

   Operations and Program Manager

   NRC Fort Worth, U.S. Navy · Fort Worth, TX

   • Served as the Department of the Navy (DON) Tracker task coordinator, monitoring and tracking 49 critical tasks assigned to the organization, which increased on-time response rates from 59% to 85%.
   • Supervised six personnel in the processing of over 2,100 Navy Reserve Order Writing System (NROWS) orders, totaling over $13,000. This demonstrates strong leadership and administrative oversight in managing critical personnel documentation.
   • Ensured 100% of tracked administrative tasks were completed on schedule with zero rework required and reduced overall discrepancies to zero.
   • Led a team of nine personnel, often working extended hours, to ensure all missions were met for 1,600 Sailors at Naval Operational Support Center (NOSC). In this role, processed over 1,500 Navy Reserve Order Writing System (NROWS) orders, accounting for over $9.8 million, and managed 2,195 Defense Travel System (DTS) authorizations and vouchers.

3. 2015-2018

   Tooling and Inventory Manager

   VR-56, U.S. Navy · Virginia Beach, VA

   • Directed and managed 16 personnel, performing scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on three C-40A aircraft, contributing to a 100 percent mission completion rate. These efforts included completing 176 maintenance actions, eight A-Check inspections, and one acceptance inspection.
   • Oversaw six Sailors in the proper management of over 4,500 tools, $5.3 million worth of Individual Material Readiness List (IMRL) assets, and $2.5 million worth of hazardous materials. This effort resulted in the command's ability to transport 2.78 million pounds of cargo and to execute 3,373 mishap-free hours, supporting three Areas of Responsibility (AOR).
   • Led six personnel in the proper issue and receipt of over 4,500 tools, 2.5 million dollars worth of hazardous materials (HAZMAT), and Individual Material Readiness List (IMRL) assets, which resulted in 100 percent accountability of all Maintenance Department assets and enabled the Command to fly 4,080 flight hours in support of Combatant Commanders.
   • Donated over $100 worth of clothing to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Thrift Store benefitting the Hampton Roads Disabled American Veterans.

4. 2012-2014

   Aviation Maintenance Supervisor

   Helmineron Fifteen, U.S. Navy · Norfolk, VA

   • Led nine sailors in Work Center 160, enhancing departmental readiness by 25 percent through training and mentorship, resulting in two Aviation Machinist's Mate (AM2) -7T-15 Special Equipment operator licenses and one Hydraulic Contamination qualification. Also trained and qualified two sailors on Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist (EAWS).
   • Mentored and oversaw the qualifications of four Command Duty Officers (CDI's), three MK-105 aircraft troubleshooters, nine Kubota Diesel Generator operators, seven move directors, three line handlers, and hydraulic contamination technicians, five Mine Warfare Diver (MWD) operators, and three MK-105 fuel surveillance technicians, resulting in a 40% increase in work center qualifications.
   • Managed the training jackets for 16 Sailors, directly contributing to the work center receiving zero discrepancies on the last Quality Assurance (QA) audit.
   • Managed Work Center 160's Training Program and the MK-105 Fuel Surveillance Program, achieving zero discrepancies on the fourth quarter Quality Assurance audit, demonstrating meticulous management.

5. 2010-2012

   Aviation Maintenance Supervisor

   VR-52, U.S. Navy · McGuire AFB, NJ

   • Exemplified strong teamwork and leadership by organizing an advancement study group, which led to the promotion of four Sailors. the genuine concern for shipmates' personal and professional growth fostered a positive and supportive command climate. The member also actively participated in numerous fundraising activities as an active member of the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) committee, raising over $20,000 for a successful decommissioning party. Furthermore, they volunteered 120 hours planning and executing fitness events for children at the North Hanover Elementary School and dedicated 12 hours at the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL) Air show, demonstrating a strong commitment to community involvement. They were recognized as a steadfast leader rising to the top of the peer group.
   • Demonstrated exceptional professionalism as an Airframe Technician, skillfully completing nine tire changes, 89 unscheduled maintenance actions, and 19 special inspections on C-9B aircraft, contributing to an impressive 97.3 percent mission completion rate. These efforts directly supported combatant commander (COCOM) logistics requirements and continuous short-notice worldwide fleet logistics. The individual also devoted countless hours to managing the Departmental Training Petty Officer (DTPL) and training programs for 14 personnel in work center 120, resulting in zero discrepancies during the most recent Quality Assurance audit. This meticulous attention to detail ensured high-quality work and efficiency.
   • Earned the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for outstanding performance and contributions. Achieved qualifications including Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist (EAWS), O-Level Naval Aviation Maintenance Program (NAMP) Supervisor Qualified Personnel Job (QPJ), and various aircraft-specific certifications (32A-45, NC-10C, A/M26U-4B). Pursued continuous learning, enrolling in an Astronomy Naval Community College and Enlisted Advanced Education (NCPACE) course to enhance the professional development.
   • In an organizational, managerial, and administrative capacity as Training Department Assistant Leading Petty Officer (LPO), the Petty Officer dedicated over 72 hours to Aviation Structural Mechanic (ASM) training. They meticulously managed the squadron's 14 work center training binders, which accounted for 2,552.5 man-hours of billet training and 1,196.86 man-hours of rate training. The Petty Officer also conducted three planning board for training meetings to schedule drill weekends, efficiently training reservists.

6. 2008-2010

   Aviation Maintenance Supervisor

   VFC-12, U.S. Navy · Virginia Beach, VA

   • Assisted in the qualification of seven Tire/Wheel Technicians, seven Hydraulic Contamination Technicians, and two Final Checkers, which resulted in increased work center production and a 15% reduction in workload.
   • Was a major contributor to the work center, completing over 287 corrosion and paint-related discrepancies and 10 scheduled special inspections. This effort resulted in a 41% decrease in the work center's workload backlog.
   • Managed and maintained 160 tie-down chains, 24 chocks, and various shop Individual Material Readiness List (IMRL) equipment assets, ensuring operational readiness and material accountability.
   • Earned multiple aviation ground support equipment and operations qualifications, including Brake Rider, A/M26U-4, A/S32A-42, NC-10A/B/C, A/M32A-108, and MSU-200, while making substantial progress toward Final Checker and Work Center 120 Personnel Qualification Standards (PQS).

7. 2006-2008

   Aviation Maintenance Supervisor

   Fleet Readiness Center West, U.S. Navy · Fort Worth, TX

   Show the military equivalent

   • Contributed directly to process improvements across maintenance work centers 51A and 51E, leading to an average 22 percent decrease in component Time-to-Reliably-Replenish (TRR).
   • Managed the work center 51E pre-expended pins inventory, ensuring proper on-hand stock levels were maintained to enable rapid turnaround times for critical components.
   • Successfully completed structural modifications and overhauls on 12 C-130 Quick Engine Change (QEC) nacelles and 4 KC-130 refueling pod modifications with zero rework.
   • Volunteered assistance to other work centers and rapidly developed technical knowledge across maintenance functions and Naval Aviation Logistics Command Management Information System (NALCOMIS) documentation, earning qualification in Hydraulic Contamination.

8. 2005-2006

   Maintenance Administrator

   Aimd Fort Worth, U.S. Navy · Fort Worth, TX

   • Efficiently tracked 148 documents and correspondences throughout the administrative cycle, maintaining 500 division master recall files to ensure up-to-date information and establish a constant communication link for 100% personnel accountability.
   • As an aircraft tire and wheel maintenance technician for F/A-18 and KC-130 aircraft, processed 123 items and completed 110 Repairable From Issue (RFI) assemblies.
   • Demonstrated strong administrative and organizational skills, significantly improving the administrative effectiveness of the division. This involved creating and maintaining a divisional database for Seaman (SN) licensing, certifications, Job Qualification Requirements (JQR), and On-the-Job Training (OJT) qualifications, providing a real-time reference for information.
   • Exhibited a positive and cheerful attitude, contributing to the morale of the division.

Skills

Service record

Branch

U.S. Navy

Rank

E-6

Years served

2004 – 2026

Specialty / MOS

AM

Security clearance

Secret