PRESS RELEASE
NORFOLK, VA -– A 2007 Pearland High School graduate and Pearland native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the aircraft carrier, PCU Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78).
Petty Officer 2nd Class Robyn Graham-Weems is an aviation support equipment technician aboard the Ford-class aircraft carrier operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
A Navy aviation support equipment technician is responsible for preserving and maintaining diesel hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
“Our rate is a tight knit community that takes care of each other,” said Graham-Weems.
Named after the 38th president, Gerald Rudolph Ford Jr., the Ford-class aircraft carrier is 1,092 feet long and hosts a wide array of quality of life improvements and state-of-the-art upgrades from a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier. New technology, including a new reactor plant, propulsion systems, electric plant, Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), advanced arresting gear and integrated warfare systems enables the Navy to operate the ship with less manpower, contributing to the Navy saving approximately $4 billion in total ownership costs over the ship’s 50‐year life when compared to NIMITZ-class.
“I like being a part of the team on the newest Naval vessel,” said Graham-Weems.
Approximately 170 officers and 2000 enlisted men and women make up the ship’s company, each highly specialized and operating in a number of jobs ranging from managing shipboard telecommunications networks and damage control systems to maintaining machinery and weapons. With more than 40 new or modified systems, Ford Sailors are unique in their training as many are among the first in the Fleet to train on and operate the ship’s cutting edge technology. The crew continues to explore innovative training solutions as Sailors prepare to take ownership of equipment and systems from contractors and shipbuilders.
“The true weapon system of this ship is the crew,” said Capt. John F. Meier, Gerald R. Ford’s Commanding Officer. “Our Sailors are earning quite an impressive reputation on the waterfront for our passion, enthusiasm and dedication. There is no doubt this is a crew that is well led, trained and wholly committed to bringing this great ship into service.”
While Ford has yet to conduct its first mission abroad, those serving aboard this ship will experience things that most Sailors don’t get to, being a part of a the ship’s initial crew. The crew must be highly motivated and adapt quickly to changing conditions to ensure the ship is ready to defend America at all times when called upon. There are high expectations for this ship and its Sailors; however, the crew is thriving under pressure.
“Since joining the Navy, I have learned to take responsibility for my own and other’s actions,” said Graham-Weems. “I have also learned the importance of respecting and counting on the people I work with.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy’s newest aircraft carrier, Graham-Weems and other Ford Sailors are excited to be a part of the crew that will take this advanced war-fighting vessel on its first voyage to protect this country on the world’s oceans.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star Branch and RISE are pleased to announce “RISE Over Houston,” an exclusive evening of good cheer and cocktail flights commemorating the 66th Anniversary of Big Brothers Big Sisters in Houston.
In January, eight-year-old Pearland resident Alex Goodman was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. To help boost his spirits as he bravely fights the disease, friends of the Goodman family reached out to Pearland SWAT Officer Karl Fletcher and asked if he and members of the department’s SWAT team could visit Alex at Texas Children’s Hospital.
On Wednesday (Feb. 3), SWAT Team Members Officer Fletcher, Officer Daniel Herrera and Officer Trey DuRant visited Alex and presented him with a decommissioned tactical helmet affixed with one of the team’s patches. Also present were firemen from Houston Fire Department Station 18.
Pearland’s donut guru Ray Peña announces plans to expand on the success of his widely-known Peña’s Donut Heaven & Grill to include a second location. Set to open summer 2016 at 10555 Pearland Parkway, the new location will feature some of the more popular items Peña is known for along with a few surprises.
For now, guests can indulge in the Christmas themed donuts which have been flying off the shelf since their release at the current Pearland location at 11601 Shadow Creek Pkwy, Ste 103 and of course many of the dishes that have put 
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