Meet Bataan's Newest Crew Members
4 6 10 8 French PEP Officer Departing! Meet Ex Veterans Who Care Will You Take The Watch? Photos Of The Month
ONTHE COVER Embedded Integrated Prevention Coordinators George Glessner and Dr. Valerie Chambliss pose for a photo in from of the USS Bataan. (Photo by MC2 Christopher Jones)
COMMANDING OFFICER: Capt. Trace Head
EXECUTIVE OFFICER: Capt. Rodolfo Jacobo
SENIOR ENLISTED LEADER: MACS Brooks Gregory
PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER: MCC(SW/AW/IW) Barry Riley
MC1(SW/AW) Christopher Marshall
MC2(SW/AW) Matthew Brown
MC2 Alisha Gleason
MC2(SW/AW) Christopher Jones
MC2(SW) Danilo Reynoso
MC2(SW/AW) Bradley Rickard
MCSN Jeremiah Lesher
MCSA Wilschnaida Milfort
ByLindsayFew ContentEditoratawesomemarriage
1. Get on the same page - work together to manage parenting. Seeing you two as a unified pair they can rely on will help give your children security.
2. Don’t overreact. In any situation, our calm response as parents can give children a lot of security.
3. Make date night a priority. Home dates count too!
4. Establish time alone together. Draw necessary boundaries with kids to make this happen.
5. Tag team in frustrating situations like kid tantrums or long drawn out bedtimes.
6. Make time to be intimate. (Schedule it if necessary!)
7. Plan ahead for time to connect physically. (Snuggling, back rubs, etc!)
8. Build an atmosphere of encouragement in the home. Encourage your spouse and children regularly.
9. Build in a habit of checking in with your spouse. Get a baseline for how they’re doing in their day and respond appropriately.
10. Offer each other “free” time away with no expectations, no strings attached. Communicate ahead of time about expectations of time and money spent while away. Wanting time away doesn’t mean you’re a “bad parent”!
11. Fathers: Encourage your daughter to be like your wife; point out their similarities.
12. Moms: Point out and appreciate the similarities between your husband and son.
13. Pray for one another.
14. Pray together for the kids.
15. Find ways to show affection.
16. Ask your spouse what makes them feel most loved, and find ways to do those things.
17. Catch your kids doing something good, and praise them for it.
18. Have each other’s back. Be unified to the kids. Asking the kids, “What did mom / dad say?” Before you give an answer is an easy way to do this.
19. Appreciate the things they do and tell them that you do.
20. Look for opportunities to encourage, praise and appreciate your spouse and kids.
StorybyMC2ChristopherJones
Lieutenant De Vaisseau Gaspar Devillele, a French Personal Exchange Program Officer, was a crew member onboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) for the past two years. Devillele expressed that his role in the Engineering Department demanded a quick adaptation to the U.S. Navy’s operative methods.
As he worked on his Engineering Officer of the Watch (EOOW) qualification, Devillele said he dived into the complex workings of the ship.
However, despite his background in the French Navy, coupled with his engineering degree, he expressed that each day onboard Bataan posed new challenges. From overseeing the steam plant to coordinating with the bridge during underway operations. He clarified that the transition to the U.S. Navy was a bit overwhelming due to the higher amount of personnel and the size of the ship.
“It’s a big ship,” said Devillele. “At first I was lost, I felt like every fireman jumping on their first assignment onboard a ship.”
Amidst the demanding qualifications and the sheer scale of the ship, Devillele exclaimed that he immersed himself in the U.S. Navy’s cultural dynamics.
“Even though I’ve watched a lot of U.S. television shows, I thought it would be easy to blend in,” Devillele said. “It’s harder than I thought because I was not raised in the U.S.”
Devillele conveyed that the diversity of the crew and the commitment to the mission intrigued him, as he was immersed in a vibrant work environment. One thing Devillele said he noted was the contrast between the U.S. and French Navy’s approaches to communication and recruitment strategies.
“What I noticed onboard is the U.S. Navy has a higher diversity compared to what we have in the French Navy,” said Devillele. “You have people from everywhere in the U.S. and abroad signing up. I think it makes a very rich environment to work in because you learn from anyone’s personal experiences in their own culture.”
Although he expressed the challenges he faced in blending into a foreign culture, Devillele said he was determined to become a valuable crew member.
“Overall, the most important thing for me was to be part of the crew, to be useful to the crew and not to be a ship rider,” said Devillele.
As Devillele’s tenure in the Personnel Exchange Program approached its end, he said he looked back on his journey and realized that the program had broadened his professional horizons and enriched his personal growth. For Devillele the Bataan was not only a new home, but an experience he exclaimed he will carry with him through the lessons he learned and the bonds he forged. Devillele expressed that he is forever grateful for the warmth and acceptance of his fellow crew members.
Planning to travel overseas on leave? Before you go, make sure you have all of your paperwork in order. This guide breaks down thenecessarystepstogetyouclearedforyourtrip,fromchecking entry requirements to securing final approval. Follow these six simplesteps,andyouwillbeonyourwaytoasmoothandstressfreedeparture!Contacttheoverseasleavecoordinatortoday!
1. Check Requirements:
Visit apacs.milcloud.mil and look up "Personnel Entry Requirements for Leave Travel" for your desired destination.
Route a paper leave chit through your chain of command and duty section. Make sure you leave space for Security and CO/XO approval.
5. Submit to Security
Submit your request at dispatch and wait for final approval from the overseas leave coordinator and SECO.
2. Fill Out the IFPP:
Complete the individual force protection plan package and any required GMT's. There are different requirements based on your destination.
4. Assemble your Folder
Put all of your paperwork to include your IFPP package and leave chit in a routing folder for Security.
6. Pack your Bags
Once approved you are good to go! Enjoy your trip!
StorybyMC2ChristopherJones
George Glessner, a former U.S. Army Soldier who dedicated eight years of service, transitioned to a new role as an embedded integrated prevention coordinator (EIPC) onboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5). His mission is to proactively support active-duty service members as they face the challenges of military and eventually civilian life.
Glessner is passionate about destigmatizing self-care, emphasizing that taking care of one’s mental health should not carry a burden of shame. Reflecting on his own experiences, he recalls when the resources available to service members were limited and shrouded in stigma.
“In the past, seeking help could lead to separation,” he explained, “But now, reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.”
As he navigates this new role, Glessner said he is keenly aware of the importance of stress management and effective communication. He notes that many veterans struggle with these skills, taught
to be loud and fierce rather than embracing open dialogue.
“Once you leave the military, that mindset can hinder your ability to adapt to civilian life,” Glessner stated.
Glessner believes that addressing these issues proactively is crucial.
“We need to start working on this now, before it’s too late," he explained.
Glessner and his fellow EIPC's foster an open-door policy, encouraging Sailors to approach them anytime with questions or concerns.
“We’re here to support you, no matter what,” said Glessner.
He openly shares his struggles post U.S. Army service, emphasizing that mitigating issues early could help service members feel comfortable seeking help while still in uniform.
Similarly, Dr. Valerie Chambliss, an EIPC onboard the Bataan, brings a wealth of experience from her 24-year Navy career. Starting as an undesignated seaman and rising to the rank of lieutenant commander, Chambliss is passionate about empowering Sailors and addressing destructive behaviors before they escalate.
We are here to
“Our goal is to educate and help Sailors identify warning signs early,” Chambliss said.
Chambliss, who made history by rising through the enlisted ranks from an E1 to an E6, becoming an officer and getting her doctorates degree, recognizes the unique challenges Sailors face when returning from deployment and reintegrating into daily life. She focuses on empowering E5s and E6s to lead effectively, ensuring that every crew member plays a critical role in creating a healthier ship environment.
“Prevention needs to be visible and evidence-based,” stated Chambliss.
Both Glessner and Chambliss said they are committed to transforming the culture around mental health within the military, fostering an environment where seeking help is normalized and encouraged. They firmly believe that by working together and prioritizing proactive measures, they can help Sailors thrive during and after their service.
The (NTP) 8010 Industrial Ship Safety Manual for Fire Prevention and Response applies to ship force. The primary purposes for Sailors to prevent a fire or incident fromoccurring.
Sailors who are Damage Control 312 qualified or sounding and security are qualified to stand Fire Safety Watch.
Fire Safety Watch standers monitor the day to day fire safety conditions and will initiate a response action in case of a fire. They patrol all areas of the ship affected by industrialworktoinspectfor
fire, smoke, hazards or other conditions that arenotincompliancewithNTP8010.
FSW'sshouldhaveknowledgeoffirefighting organization and damage control procedures. Knowledge of the hot work procedures and notificationrequirements.
FSW's should have the ability to assess quick disconnect fittings, the ability to assess shipboard housekeeping and combustible hazards.Theymustinspecthourlyforconditions thatmayleadtoafire,whichincludessearches forpresenceofignitionandrulesourcesandan assessmentofproperfiremitigations.
FSW'smustpayattentiontosmalldetails astheymoveabouttheship.
The current hot work chits have a red number on the right hand side. If a hot workchitdoesnotcontainthismarker,the chitisnotapproved.
Things to look for during hot work and inspectionofthespaceare:therightdate, serial number, what type of work is to be done, location, compartment number, list of adjacent compartments, time hot work will commence, the current gas free and ventilationrequirements.
Any area where hot work is commenced, thereshouldnotbeanycombustibleswithin 35feetofthespace.
If something doesn't look right, say something.Ifacontractordoesnotabideby therulesgetaname,andbadgenumber
Report any violation to the duty fire Marshall,DCA, &theOfficeroftheDeck.
Fleet & Family Readiness Quality of Life Programs
September 6
08:30 a.m. Run With The Chiefs 5k @ Naval Station Norfolk McClureFieldFarragutAve. Norfolk,VA23511
September 11
08:00 a.m. 9/11 Remembrance 5k Run @ Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek 31475thSt.Bldg.3147 VirginiaBeach,VA23459
September 14
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Row-B-Que @ Portsmouth Hospital Point Beach Portsmouth,VA23708
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. exceptional Family memBeR pRogRam @ Naval Station Norfolk 792814thSt.Suite102 Norfolk,VA23505
September 21
09:00 a.m. Club Championship Golf Tournament @ Deer Cove Golf Club 108 Sanda Ave.
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Oktoberfest @ Naval Station Norfolk MainGate10 Norfolk,VA23511
September 28
9:00 a.m. Great Navy Campout @ Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek FirstLandingStatePark2500ShoreDr. VirginiaBeach,VA23451
