Those Who Served: Travis Earlywine, U.S. Navy veteran

Each day, Travis Earlywine tests samples of water, coal and ash to ensure they meet the exacting standards required by power plants’ operating thresholds and by strict regulations. It’s all part of providing energy every moment of every day for 1 million Kentucky residents in 87 counties.

Travis learned those skills in the U.S. Navy, the result of two years of training and a cruise aboard the nuclear aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis. His training also included attending the Navy’s Lab Technician School.

“It was very similar to what I do at EKPC,” Travis says. “It was specialized training in water chemistry, radiological controls and testing.”

Travis works with other Lab Technicians at EKPC to perform critical testing to ensure the plant is operating properly. He maintains pumps and chemical inventories. 

Travis enjoys his job. “No two days are the same,” he says with a laugh.

His career at EKPC provides other opportunities. He has served on the plant’s rescue team and safety team.

Travis often returns to lessons learned during his military service. “All the stuff they drill into you – honor, commitment, courage, integrity, taking pride in your work, doing the best job you can do – that’s all stuff that you can take into the workplace,” he says.

What does it mean to Travis to be a veteran? “There are people who lost their lives serving. Those are the people we need to really thank every day.”