Las Vegas sailors spend their Independence Day on guard at sea

Dick Benoit

Friday, July 13, 2001 | 10:06 a.m.

Dick Benoit covers individual and unit accomplishments of Southern Nevadans serving in the active duty and reserve armed forces. He can be reached at (702) 641-8664 or by e-mail at dickb@vegas.com

Two Las Vegas natives spent last week's Independence Day holiday serving the nation, while the community celebrated the values they exemplify each day as members of the the U.S. armed forces.

Navy Chief Petty Officer Robby Bonanno, son of Robert and Ikuko Bonanno of Las Vegas, and Navy Airman Ronald Klug, grandson of Norma Grower of Las Vegas, spent July 4 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Constellation somewhere in the western Pacific Ocean.

Among other tasks, the air wing aboard the attack carrier is charged with enforcing the no-fly zone over southern Iraq during this 20th deployment of the Constellation since its commissioning.

For Klug, a 2000 graduate of Palo Verde High School, being away from family over a traditional American holiday is just "one of the hardships that military personnel endure."

"It's important to develop lifelong friends while being on a ship for four years," said the sailor, who works with the arresting gear on the flight deck of the Constellation. The gear brings Navy aircraft, such as the F/A-18 Hornet, returning to the carrier to a safe stop.

Bonanno, a 1983 graduate of Clark High School, serves with the Hornet squadron aboard the Constellation. The chief aviation electricians mate is in charge of the line division for the Kestrels of Fighter Attack Squadron 137, which is based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif.

Bonanno's squadron reported aboard the Constellation in March to become part of a complement of 75 fighter and support aircraft that make up the air component of the Constellation battle group.

In brief

He learned the training techniques that drill sergeants require to teach basic trainees.

The curriculum includes drill and ceremonies, physical fitness, weapons training, and instruction on leadership and counseling applicable to the trainee environment.

She is the daughter of Pat Hogan of Las Vegas.

During the six weeks of training, the five new airmen studied the Air Force mission, organization, and customs and received special training in human relations. In addition, they earned credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.