By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Isaac A. Rodriguez

NORFOLK, Va. – Petty Officer 2nd Class Kyle Cronan, a Houston, Texas, native serving as an air traffic controller, received an award aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima on Dec. 28.

USS Iwo Jima’s leadership recognizes sailors monthly for demonstrating superior dedication to the ship’s core values of learning, improvement, wellness, ownership and safety.

Cronan was recognized for exemplifying the core value of learning.

Cronan trained 12 of the ship’s air traffic controllers, helping them earn their required technical qualifications.

“It is a great honor to be rewarded for the importance of learning,” said Cronan.

Cronan has served in the Navy since September 2018.

Cronan is a 2007 graduate of Conroe High School and also earned an associate degree from San Jacinto Community College in 2009.

Amphibious assault ships, such as USS Iwo Jima, project power and maintain presence by serving as the cornerstone of the Amphibious Readiness Group / Expeditionary Strike Group.

Amphibious Readiness Groups provide the Marine Corps with a means of ship-to-shore movement by helicopter in addition to movement by landing craft.

USS Iwo Jima has supported major humanitarian assistance and combat operations in which the United States has been involved.

USS Iwo Jima is named for the battle of Iwo Jima fought in 1945, in which three divisions of U.S. Marines took control of a tiny island from more than 20,000 enemy defenders.

The ship’s motto is a quote from Fleet Adm. Chester Nimitz: “Among the Americans who served on Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue.”

There were 27 U.S. service members awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for their heroic actions during the Battle of Iwo Jima, more than any other single operation during World War II.