Landmark: Winter Edition 2019

LANDMARK The official publication of USS Emory S. Land

VOL X / ISSUE VII

WINTER EDITION 2019

FEATURING ESL’s Newest Ombudsmen A Spiritual Journey Through the Lens: Winter Edition

LAND’S TIGER CRUISE

By MCSN ZACHARY GROOMAN

LANDMARK MAGAZINE

TABLE OF CONTENTS THE COMMAND TRIAD COMMANDING OFFICER Capt. Michael D. Luckett EXECUTIVE OFFICER Cmdr. Ritchie L. Taylor COMMAND MASTER CHIEF CMDCM Nicholas J. Wallace

LANDMARK MAGAZINE STAFF PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER Lt. DeNealia Cunningham Peterson LEADING PETTY OFFICER MC1 Steven Khor LEAD EDITOR MC2 Jordyn Diomede ASSISTANT EDITOR MC1 Jason Behnke STAFF JOURNALIST MC3 Chase Stephens STAFF JOURNALIST MCSN Zachary Grooman

Landmark Magazine is an authorized publication for Sailors aboard the USS Emory S. Land (AS 39). Contents herein are not the views of, or endorsed by the United States government, Dept. of Defense, Dept. of the Navy, or the Commanding Officer of the ESL. All news, photos, and information for publication in Landmark Magazine must be submitted to the Public Affairs Officer of the USS Emory S. Land. Landmark Magazine is produced by ESL Media Services department.

ESL is manned by an integrated crew of Sailors and civilian mariners under the administrative control of Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and operational control of the Commander, Task Force 74. As a forward-deployed naval force, ESL is tasked to provide epeditionary, intermediate-level maintenance and repairs, hotel services, and logistics support to deployed Guided-Missile and Fast-Attack submarines deployed in the 5th, 6th and 7th Fleet areas of operation.

REPRODUCTION OF ANY PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MUST BE AUTHORIZED BY THE PUBLISHER AND CREDITED TO LANDMARK MAGAZINE AND THE CONTRIBUTORS INVOLVED. 1

LEADERSHIP

Pg. 03 - Commanding Officer Pg. 05 - Executive Officer Pg. 06 - Command Master Chief

FEATURES

Pg. 07 - Meet ESL’s Newest Ombudsmen Pg. 09 - Land’s Tiger Cruise Pg. 11 - A Spiritual Journey Pg. 13 - Through the Lens

Photo by MC2 Jordyn Diomede 2

Capt. Michael Luckett Commanding Officer, USS Emory S. Land

What will the ship’s mission be during this underway? Will it be different from the last underway?

The mission will be similar to the first part of the deployment, but we will go to different places and we will work with different partners. Primarily, we will be out there to demonstrate and practice our expeditionary logistics skills so we can be ready for our wartime mission. This mission is to support the forward-deployed naval forces to include submarines and surface ships, conduct theater security operations with our allies and our partners in various locations, and finally, to have a presence. Our presence, whether it be at sea or in port, demonstrates the resolve of the Unites States to support our allies and deter our adversaries. It is not just about this ship, but also about the capabilities that we enable for the rest of the fleet.

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What are some of the expectations you have for the crew?

Since a third of the crew is new, I would ask us all to work to integrate our shipmates into the watch teams, the divisions, damage control teams, etc. I expect us to maintain a steady drumbeat on readiness. That means the basic skills of damage control and force protection. We must always be ready to defend and protect the ship at any time, so that requires that steady work to make sure we continue to keep up those skills should we need them. For each of the Sailors, I would challenge you

during this period of deployed operations to better yourself, to challenge yourself to improve, whether that is personally or professionally. Set yourself some goals and work on making yourself a better Sailor and a better person when you return home than when you left, whether that is working on your qualifications, picking up some new skills in your particular rate, or working on your advancement or education.

What are some of the benefits of having a joint crew of both MSC and Navy to accomplish mission objectives?

Each member of the crew, whether it be a Navy Sailor or a civilian mariner, brings a unique set of qualifications, skills and experiences to the mission.

Each one of those skills is required to make the ship go. We all need to make sure that we are working together to accomplish the mission as we each have a specific role to play. One of the things in particular that we benefit from having the MSC personnel on the ship is in some cases we get some continuity. Some of the civilian mariners have been assigned to this ship for many years, longer than any of the Navy personnel have been here and I think that provides us with some unique advantages for the ship. One advantage is having knowledge of how something was done before.

If we do something unusual that we have not done very often, we can pull from a deeper experience base from some of the civilian mariners than we do from the Navy folks. Conversely, a lot of our Navy personnel come from a variety of backgrounds and have some unique

experiences as well. They may have done something similar. If we have a unique situation in front of us that we have not done on the Land before, those individuals may have brought that experience from another ship or platform that they can use.

What are you looking forward to most during this underway period?

I am looking forward to our ability to practice our wartime skills and our expeditionary logistics skills so that we can demonstrate those skills to our friends and allies, we can prove to ourselves when we are ready to execute the wartime mission, and we can show our adversaries we are ready to support the fighting forces wherever and whenever we are called upon. As we can see watching the news and world events over the last month, there is an enduring need to be ready for combat at any time.

I am also looking forward to working with some of our allies and partners as we go to some different places and work with different personnel. We will continue to build on those relationships with our allies because it is very important for our national security. I am also looking forward to seeing some new places that we will have the opportunity to enjoy.

As we know, the families are important as support for service members. Would you like to speak on that?

I hope the crew enjoyed their time with their families when we were at home in between the fall and spring operations. I know many people took leave, whether it was to stay on island or travel to see their loved ones elsewhere. I was pleased at the great turnout we had at the holiday party, it was a great event. I’m also glad to see the family cruise turned out so well. There were so many families out there for both of those events. In terms of support, we have for the families ashore, we have three new ombudsmen. Those families who haven’t met those ombudsmen yet, I would encourage you to reach out and meet them whether through Facebook, email or in person at a Family Readiness Group (FRG) meeting. Get to know your ombudsman because they are there to support the families. Also, there is a great group of volunteers there at the FRG. They are working hard to provide some activities for the families that are in Guam. I encourage people to participate in those so they can get to know people who may be going through some of the same sort of situations that you may be in. Also, I would encourage the Sailors and their families to

stay in touch. It is important that we continue to communicate and share our experiences. Finally, for those whose personal situation allows for it, perhaps visit your Sailor in one of these port calls if it is something that you can do. There were quite a few families who visited in some of the port calls in the fall season. It was a good thing for both the Sailor and their family.

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Cmdr. Ritchie Taylor Executive Officer, USS Emory S. Land

What are you looking forward to most during this underway?

I’m definitely looking forward to Japan. Many people know this is my third tour on the tenders, and we are going to ports that I haven’t been to. I’ve never been to Kure, which is the submarine headquarters for the Japanese navy, so I think there’s going to be a lot to see.

We’ll also be able do our mission and show the mission concept to our allies.

How do you feel this ship’s mission differs from other surface ships?

It is a surface ship, but this is a submarine tender, so we have to remember that we do just that - tend to submarines as a primary mission. We are a mobile repair facility; other ships have a really high operational tempo, almost 90 percent of the time; our mission is in port -- where we are protected, so we can bring subs alongside. It’s really hard for Sailors to shift gears and think about that. Just remember our whole mission is bringing subs alongside.

Our three R’s are to Repair, Rearm, and Resupply.

With the tensions rising between the U.S. and Iran, how do you feel it could potentially affect this deployment?

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Things have deescalated lately, but we will always have our normal schedule that varies, however, we always have plan B. We always need to be ready. We shouldn’t be gearing up to go, we should be ready. The Captain and I have talked about that since we’ve both arrived onboard.

If it comes to it, we will divert plans, but like I said, its deescalated, but no matter who it is and no matter where it is, we will always need to be ready.

What is some advice you want to give to Sailors going on their first deployment?

I remember my first deployment. It was only nine days but I cried a lot with a shipmate of mine. I was 19 and away from home, so I would tell Sailors to use the Sailors around you. Everyone has “street smarts.” You know who the good and not so good Sailors are and see what they do to be successful, and you can learn what not to do. Take this time to get your quals done, and go and see the sights.

You are being paid twice a month and we are taking you to these foreign ports, all you have to do is go out and enjoy.

What do you think is the most fulfilling thing about being on the ESL, both personally and professionally?

Professionally, we have such a diverse platform, and it’s nice for all of us work toward the common goal of repairing subs, going around southeast Asia, showing our flag and doing our mission while being forward-deployed.

I am very proud of our crew. Personally, this is probably my last hoo-rah. This will probably be my last time at sea. I like to see young Sailors and young officers grow and eventually put me out of a job, because that’s what I’m supposed to do. Train my relief. It’s personal and professional for me here.

CMDCM Nicholas Wallace Command Master Chief, USS Emory S. Land

What do you want Sailors onboard to achieve while on this deployment?

When a ship is on deployment, the crew really comes together and watches out for each other. Underway or in port we become a tight niche family. I’m looking forward to seeing the crew mold more into that family atmosphere -- looking out for each other throughout the day, looking out for each other out in town, out on liberty, molding together as a team. That’s what I’m really looking forward to the crew achieving.

Will there be any major differences on the second half of this deployment compared to the first?

There are always differences in deployments from first half to second half. No deployment is the exact same. You cannot live by: ‘well we did it like this last time.’ It doesn’t mean it’s going to work this time or mean it’s the right thing to do for this next deployment. We have to take every turn, every tasking, every order as if it’s the first time we’re doing it on deployment and give it the due diligence to work out that process. Far too often, I see commands say, ‘hey, we did it like this last deployment,’ and then it epically fails and the main root cause is complacency. Complacency is the root to all evil. It’s the number one reason for accidents in the Navy.

What advice would you give to Sailors going on their first deployment?

Get out and about. Enjoy your time underway. Work on qualifications. When we’re in port, visit various sites.

We’re slated to go to a lot of great places. Take advantage of those opportunities. Take advantage of the Sailors onboard

who’ve done deployments. They know the ins and outs of deployments. I also charge those Sailors onboard with experience to take a junior Sailor under their wing.

How will this deployment be affected with the recent developments in the Middle East?

You know what I know. If the message comes in, ‘hey head to the middle east’ or head to wherever, we’re going to say copy all, en route. That is our job. To support the warfighters. We’re always ready and everyone should be in that mindset.

What keeps you motivated while underway?

There are many things that keep me motivated while underway. Just being haze gray underway is motivating.

Seeing Sailors and MSC in action is motivating. Seeing the sunrise, and the sunset or going for a jog on the weather deck. I was up in the ATIC at midnight the other night, and I was just amazed at the stars in the sky. Just that view.

It’s just motivating that we were given this opportunity to represent the Navy and do good things. My motivation is being underway. Every day is a blessing and it’s motivating just to be here.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Sailors need to make the best use of their time. It could be working on their ESWS qualifications, to various other qualifications. Don’t just waste the time. It goes back to my email the other day where it talks about: pride in yourself, pride in the shop, pride in the ship. This is our home. If we’re not making our home better every day, then we’re not doing it right.

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Meet USS Emory S. Land

Antonia Wilber “Hafa Adai! My name is Antonia Wilber and I have been part of the ESL family since January 2019. My husband and I are originally from Northern Wisconsin and are the proud parents of two beautiful children, ages 10 and 12. I have been a Navy spouse for over 17 years and have previously had the honor of serving as an Ombudsman with four other commands: USS ALBUQUERQUE (SSN 706), Naval Nuclear Power Training Command, USS FRANK CABLE (AS 40), and Joint Region Marianas (JRM). I have also had the privilege to serve as the JRM Assembly Chair, Ombudsman Basic Trainer with Joint Base Pearl Harbor, as well as various other military organizations as a volunteer. While stationed on this beautiful island, I will remain an active participant and dedicated volunteer as a liaison for my command family as well as a full-time employee with the NBG Child and Youth Programs. My heart belongs with the Ombudsman program and I look forward to working with you.“

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d’s Newest Ombudsmen

Tiona Morris “Welcome to the beautiful island of Guam! My name is Tiona Morris and I am honored to be a part of your Ombudsman Team. I have been a military spouse for over 15 years and my husband and I have two beautiful children. We have been part of the EMORY S LAND family since August 2018. This is my first time as an Ombudsman; however, I have a professional background of developing resilience with children and families as a social worker. I look forward to supporting, advocating, and representing you and your families as a dedicated command liaison. It is a privilege to serve in this capacity and I am eagerly awaiting to work hand-in-hand with you.”

Sarah Martinez “Hello ESL Families, my name is Sarah Martinez and I am one of your three new Ombudsmen! I have been a military spouse for seven years. My spouse and I are both from Portland, Oregon, but have had the privilege of living in Bangor, Washington; Yokosuka, Japan; and now Guam. I am currently a stay-at-home parent to three children; ages five, two, and one. I have a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Science from Oregon State University (Go Beavs!).

I am truly passionate about children, families, and helping others. I am very excited and grateful to be a part of your Ombudsman team. I hope to get to know you all, and I will be here as a resource whenever you need. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you!”

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Land’s Tiger cruise Story by mcsn zachary grooman Photos by USS emory s. land public affairs

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ailors and civilian mariners hosted their families aboard for a day of fun on Land’s Tiger Cruise, Jan. 10.

The day included various events, such as a damage control demonstration, weapons simulations, tours of the ship’s spaces, and a live-fire weapons exercise.

Tiger cruises are a time for Sailors and their families to join together for a short period of time to get underway. They are meant to help foster a better relationship and understanding between Sailors and their families to further comprehend what the Navy’s mission is.

One of the first events of the day was a damage control demonstration hosted

by Damage Controlman 2nd Class Joseph Morris. He expressed how important it is to have families come aboard.

“It’s a good opportunity for your spouse and your family members to come out and see what you do,” said Morris. “It gives them a new found appreciation. They get to see a different aspect of what you do, besides what they see in the media or what you come home and tell them.”

The demonstration included testing the Naval Fighters Thermal Imager (NFTI), donning the firefighter ensemble (FFE), and cutting a pipe with a Portable Exothermic Cutting Unit (PECU).

His wife, Ann Morris, said she looked forward to just hanging out with him and seeing how the ship works.

Other family members aboard were impressed with the crew’s ability to save the ship.

“I was very happy to hear about what you do for preparing for disasters,” said Chantel Shuman, a guest on the tiger cruise. “If something happened on the ship it seems that the crew has a lot of equipment and manpower to handle those situations. So that makes me feel good.”

Another event during the cruise was the weapons simulation training where participants had the opportunity to discover who the real marksman, sharp shooters, and experts are in the family by using the Firearms Training Simulator (FATS). FATS provides simulated live-fire scenarios which helps train Sailors on the proper use of firearms without actually using live

ammunition.

“The technology made it seem very real,” said Ava Shuman, a guest on the tiger cruise. “I think they did a good job.”

Chief Electrician’s Mate Samuel Nabutete was excited to bring his wife aboard for the experience.

“This was a good opportunity for her to see what we do, where we work, and to see the stuff she hears from friends,” he said. His wife, Eunice, plans on bringing their children the next chance she has.

The cruise ended right before sunset; lasting around seven hours, sailing out far enough to where Guam was no longer visible.

Capt. Michael Luckett, Land’s commanding officer, was glad the families were able to experience being aboard Land.

“The Sailors spend a lot of time on the ship at sea, and a lot of what they do is invisible to the families and friends ashore,” he said. “Taking the families and friends to sea gives them an opportunity to see what their Sailors do underway and to experience what that life is like.”

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A Spiritual Journey Story by MC1 Jason Behnke Like many of us, Lt. Cmdr. Joseph Mayer, USS Emory S. Land’s command chaplain, didn’t really know what he wanted to be when he grew up. Even as a child, he had it in his head that he might join the Navy one day.

In college, he began working toward a degree in mechanical engineering and finished with a degree in fine arts. When he joined the Navy Reserve, he began as an undesignated seaman, which allowed him to try his hand at several rates, but he ultimately found his calling as a religious programs specialist before becoming a chaplain.

Although he was born in Florida, Mayer considers Tennessee to be his home. His father worked for the National Parks Service, so the family moved quite often.

“When I was born, he was working in Everglades National Park,” Mayer said.

“So, we actually lived in the swamp. We had alligators in the backyard and all of that.”

His father’s career meant the family lived mainly in Tennessee, but also Florida and North Carolina. He spent his childhood living in and exploring national parks and even a national cemetery. All of that moving, however, meant the family didn’t have one

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consistent place of worship.

“We grew up going to church, depending on what town we lived in, it was either a Methodist church or a Baptist church or whatever, you know, some of the more mainline protestant types,” he said.

Mayer said he didn’t get serious about his faith until late in college.

“I’d gone through the motions of being a good church-goer, but I didn’t get saved, born again, until actually after college,” Mayer said. “I was involved in church, but I was just playing the game.”

After completing college, Mayer said he and his wife visited a church that inspired him to make a commitment to accept his path in life.

“Part of it was the holy spirt convicting me to stop playing the game.

Either do this for real or you’re going to have the consequences. It wasn’t long after that that I got serious about my faith,” he said. “I was saved; I was baptized and started growing with my relationship with the Lord. Then God started putting on my heart to start serving in full-time ministry.”

After about eight years in the Navy Reserve as a religious programs specialist, Mayer was selected as a chaplain candidate. In 2007, he was

officially commissioned as a chaplain.

Mayer’s been a chaplain for more than 20 years. In his assignments, he’s had the opportunity to serve aboard ships and at the tip of the spear with the Marines in Iraq. No matter where he’s been, he said the mission remains the same; to serve service members, no matter what their beliefs are.

“If I can just be that; a listening ear. Just to be that source of help and encouragement. I’m coming from a pastoral heart of compassion. I’m not a psychologist. I’m not a medical person.

I’m not a lawyer,” he said. “I’ve picked up a lot of medical and legal knowledge along the way, but that’s not my area of expertise. My area of expertise is pastoral care, whether they believe what I believe or not.”

Mayer said that everyone is welcome to worship at the ship’s chapel. If your beliefs differ and you would like to be a lay person, he will do his best to help you achieve that as well.

Regardless of your beliefs, chaplains hold a unique and important role in our military. If you want to join in a spiritual celebration, or if you just need someone to talk to, stop by and see Chaplain Mayer at the ship’s chapel.

“I’m coming from a pastoral heart of compassion. I’m not a psychologist. I’m not a medical person. I’m not a lawyer.”

Right: Lt. Cmdr. Joseph Mayer preaches during a church service underway, Jan. 19.

-Photo by MCSN Zachary Grooman Left: The Holy Bible is placed on the chairs in the chapel in preparation for a church service.

-Photo by RP3 Matthew Maimone 12

Through The Lens Photos by USS Emory S. Land Public Affairs

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