February/March 2019

The official publication of USS Emory S. Land

LANDMARK FEBRUARY/MARCH 2019 VOL X ISSUE I

HIDDEN FIGURES HIGHLIGHTING WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

BY MC3 DESTINYY REED

FEATURING

Serving Country, Shipmates

By MC2 Jordyn Diomede

Life Lessons: EM1 Coates Finds His Way

By MC2 Richard Miller

Sailors at the Table

By MCSA Lorenz Zuercher

landmark magazine

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

LANDMARK MAGAZINE STAFF PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER Lt. Daniel Moore LEADING PETTY OFFICER MC1 Steven Khor LEAD EDITOR MC2 Jordyn Diomede ASSISTANT EDITOR MC1 Jason Behnke SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER MC2 Richard Miller STAFF JOURNALIST MC2 Daniel Willoughby STAFF JOURNALIST MC3 Destinyy Reed STAFF JOURNALIST MCSA Lorenz Zuercher

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.

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LEADERSHIP

Pg. 03 - Commanding Officer Pg. 04 - Executive Officer Pg. 05 - Command Master Chief

FEATURES

Pg. 07 - Serving Country, Shipmates Pg. 09 - Hidden Figures Pg. 11 - Sailors at the Table Pg. 12 - The Jack is Back Pg. 13 - Life Lessons: EM1 Coates Finds His Way Pg. 15 - News From The Fleet Pg. 17 - Through The Lens

PHOTO BY MC2 JORDYN DIOMEDE 2

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

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One Team, One Fight We are all on the same team. No matter which ball cap you wear, we all have the same mission. We are here as Team Tender to support tended units and their crews and I firmly believe that. We need to make sure everyone understands we are all pulling for the same mission. We accomplish our peacetime mission on a day-to-day basis and ensure readiness for our wartime mission by following the same standards and principles. I would recommend people to take a look at my command philosophy about how we should be doing business. I expect everyone to adhere to the same high standards. Everyone on the ship, whether Navy or civilian, deserves equal, fair treatment and the same opportunities no matter who they are. I expect everyone to be open to new ideas no matter where they come from. There’s going to be a lot of good ideas coming from different places. I expect Sailors from the Frank Cable will have good ideas based on how things are done there and that ESL Sailors will have good ideas to bring to the table as well. I would recommend that everyone keep an open mind and we will pick the best way to conduct business no matter what source the idea came from.

Multiple Roles I was pleased with the crew’s performance in getting us ready leading up to Typhoon Wutip, both getting the ship ready to go to sea and making sure the shore facilities we’re responsible for were in a safe condition for the storm. While we were preparing for the storm, we had a lot of other things going on and the crew did a great job of meeting all the missions we were scheduled to accomplish during the week. We had a tended unit alongside doing a voyage repair period, the late stages of LMA turnover, and the Tomahawk certification. I was impressed with what the crew was able to achieve that week.

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Typhoon Readiness We talk about “typhoon season” but really that just means it’s more likely in some seasons and less likely than others. It doesn’t mean we can’t have a typhoon during the offseason. You can have a storm any time of year and it’s something we as a crew always need to be prepared for.

Sailors, from a work perspective and a home perspective, need to ensure they are prepared for severe weather year round. It is essential Sailors have a good plan for their families during those times so that, in the event the Sailor has to go to sea, they can go to sea with confidence their families will be safe and taken care of while they’re out there.

Inclement Weather Experiences I’ve seen a lot of really awful weather over the course of my career and I’ve dodged a few typhoons and hurricanes. Usually on a submarine you have the option of going under the bad weather, which is helpful, but occasionally you have to be on the surface for that. I definitely traveled through the remnants of hurricanes on a few occasions where the ship was rocking heavily and the majority of the crew was sick. Sometimes it was tropical and sometimes it was winter storms. When I was bringing the Houston from Washington State to Guam, our transit took us across the Gulf of Alaska in late December. It’s pretty regular that time of year to see 20 or 30-foot swells. Trying to stay at periscope depth during that sea state is definitely challenging for the crew.

ESL’s Evolving Wartime Mission My number one goal is excellence in the day-to-day execution of supporting our tended units by performing tasks efficiently and correctly the first time so the submarines can return to sea in the best material condition possible. That same philosophy applies no matter what your role is at this command. It is also important we build proficiency in our wartime skills as well. Many crewmembers may be aware that the CNO and our senior leadership are trying to refocus the fleet on “great power conflict”. That’s where we are headed as a Navy. Expect to see more work towards the planning, preparation, and exercise of the skills and actions we need to be ready to accomplish to fill that wartime expeditionary logistics and maintenance role.

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

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In your opinion, how has the return to Guam, and the transition to Lead Maintenance Activity (LMA), been going for the command?

I think the return has gone very well. I can’t complain about our trip home from the patrol. I’m very pleased and actually pleasantly surprised by how lead tender turnover is going. On March 1, it will be final. The two teams will meet and discuss the finer details and once that meeting is over it’ll be official. The two months have gone well with all of the things we’ve had to deal with, including this SORTIE. I’m very happy, very pleased.

What’s some advice you would give to the new ESL crewmembers?

The first thing I would say, if you’re coming to Guam, you definitely need to make sure you take advantage of the geographical location of the island, i.e. if you like to travel.

You can use MWR services to go to Australia, China, Hong Kong, Bali, New Zealand, and many more locations. If you’re not a traveler, you can still get out and enjoy Guam.

There’s a ton of things to do if you just look for it. Talk with your peers, the ones who have been on the island. It’s definitely a great place to be.

What kind of impact can the new crewmembers make in the short term, long term?

The first thing I tell Sailors is that they need to get qualified for at-sea and in-port watches. On Emory S. Land, Sailors have to worry about in-port watches and in-rate qualifications. I’ve been in the Navy for 33 years. What has stayed true and consistent is that we all have to qualify in our positions. Those that attack it aggressively and get it done earlier are the ones that succeed the most. I highly recommend you attack that with vigor.

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What is one thing each Sailor can do every day to make 2019 better than 2018?

The main thing with our shift professionally, is that we are moving to lead tender. We are going to have a lot of submarines coming in. We have to know what our mission is. Our mission is to support the submarines coming in, and get them back out to sea in a good material condition. As we all watch the world dynamics, we see China in the South China Sea. We see what’s going on with Russia. We sometimes forget that this is a serious business we are involved in. We have to take care of our jobs. I think the best thing we can do is to do the right thing, because it’s the right thing to do.

Do you have any highlights or updates you would like to bring to the attention of the crew and their families?

All of us who were on patrol know about that part. We got back and had a stand down, and we’re still in a transition period of taking over lead tender. Even though I’ve been on tenders three times now, the previous two times were crewed by military entirely. Since we have both mariners and Sailors aboard, I want to emphasize coming together as one crew. We have different organizations, but we can make this work. We have to make it work. I’m constantly emphasizing that throughout the ship.

Would you like to add anything?

When I first got onboard and had an interview, I mentioned how excited I am to be here. I wanted to come here very badly. I enjoy my job as Executive Officer. It’s hard at times, but it’s very rewarding. I think the part that I love most, is getting to meet Sailors when I can.

Whether I’m walking through shops or passing by the smoke pit, I love getting to know the crew. I’m still very happy and excited to be here.

PHOTO BY MC1 STEVEN KHOR 4

CMDCM William Greene Command Master Chief, USS Emory S. Land

THE FINAL INTERVIEW 1

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Since returning to Guam, how has the crew adjusted to being back pierside and how have they adapted to taking over as Lead Maintenance Activity (LMA)?

I think they’ve adapted very well. We were getting into the rhythm of things before we had to do the typhoon SORTIE. People are glad to be back home so that they can get off the ship and go to their homes or barracks rooms. There’s still a few challenges for us to overcome. Parking is one challenge because we really have a lot of Sailors onboard now from Frank Cable because they’re going through their MTA period.

I think the majority of things are going well. We’ve gotten off to a good start taking over as LMA, even when we’ve had a few ships come unexpectedly.

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We’ve received a lot of Sailors from Frank Cable, is there anything you’d like to say to them to welcome them to ESL? Welcome back to the ESL returnees. It’s good to be home.

We’re going to take care of our Frank Cable personnel and treat them like family. We are Team Tender.

What did you enjoy about the post-deployment party?

The crew got a chance to go out, win some prizes and have a good time. A lot of people dressed up and looked really good. It was also cool having the buses to the venue. Although Top ‘o the Mar isn’t as fancy as the Dusit Thani Hotel, it was closer to base, which was ideal. That’s something new we wanted to try out, and I hope those who went had a good time, even if they didn’t win a door prize.

Do you know where your next command is? If so, where?

Naval Research Laboratory in Port Hueneme, California.

I’m excited about returning to California.

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What’s your greatest navy accomplishment?

That’s a two-part question. The first part would be my selfish answer because making master chief and being a command master chief is a great accomplishment in the Navy. The second part is what I’ve done since. It’s great to see Sailors that have worked for me get advanced. I’ve helped develop command senior chiefs and command master chiefs. Seeing Sailors that I’ve had a hand in working with and developing advance and get to where they need to go is a great accomplishment.

Have you had any influential role models throughout your navy career, if so, how did they impact your life?

I have had role models and people that have taken me under their wing. I probably wouldn’t have made it this far if I didn’t have anyone pull me to the side and give me a course correction.

They provided me with guidance as to what I should do and what I shouldn’t do. I’ve definitely had role models even though I didn’t always seek them out. Sometimes they just came to me and I appreciated that. They’ve all had a major impact in what I do and where I’ve gotten in my career.

In just a short time you’ll be leaving this command, what are your last few big ticket items that you plan to accomplish before you leave?

I’m working on a lot of joint instructions to make things equal on both tenders. I’m also trying to work ahead on fixing berthing onboard. Looking ahead to our next maintenance period, I’m trying to prevent us from running into the same type of berthing issues that we had in Vallejo, California, during MTA. It’s a lot of black and white instructions that I don’t want my relief to have to worry about. We’re doing fine now; it’s just a few tweaks that’ll make things standardized across both tenders.

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What have you enjoyed most about this command?

Working with the Sailors and chiefs and also working in a repair type of environment that I’ve never been in before. I’ve enjoyed the fact that it’s been a challenge and it hasn’t always been easy to get the job done. These challenges have allowed me to put a few more skills into my tool box that I probably wouldn’t have had unless I came to this command. I never had an issue with coming to Guam and being a part of Team Tender. Some of the memorable moments were rendering honors in Hawaii for the Arizona and Missouri memorials, and sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge. I’ve never been to San Francisco and we took some really cool pictures of the ship and crew going under the Golden Gate. Getting to go out on deployment and do the Shellback ceremony was another good experience.

I’ve had lots of good moments throughout my time at this command. We’ve kicked butt repairing submarines and we got awarded the Battle “E”. We’ve grown from a crew of 150 Sailors to 650-800 Sailors. I remember at one point we had 1,000 Sailors onboard from a combination of both tenders, Land and Cable. We’ve had a lot of good accomplishments and memorable moments. I don’t have any one particular favorite because I’ve enjoyed them all.

Do you have anything else you’d like to add to your Landmark interview?

Thank You! Thank you for all the work that you’ve done and all of the hardship you’ve had to endure. I’m thankful for the work the crew has put in and the chiefs for keeping me out of trouble. We’ve had great leadership to include our officers and triad. We should all be proud of what we’ve accomplished. It’s amazing what we’ve done in three years.

There’s a few people who have been here longer than I have, but not many. If anyone ever needs anything don’t hesitate to contact me.

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SERVING COUNTRY, SHIPMATES

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Story and photo by MC2 Jordyn Diomede

fter serving 20 years in the United States Navy and retiring as a Culinary Specialist 1st Class, Jeffrey Lamar January Sr. continues to serve his country as a second cook aboard the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39). If you’ve had a meal aboard ESL, you know the smile that radiates on his face from even the shortest of conversations.

He joined the Military Sealift Command (MSC) in 2005 after spending the first couple of years following his retirement trying to find something he enjoyed as much as his time as a cook in the Navy. It wasn’t until 2011 when he truly found his home with the Sailors aboard the Land and her sister ship, USS Frank Cable (AS 40).

People onboard know him as Mr. January. “I feel right at home,” said January.

“I can always get me a coffee and have a conversation, and I can always find out something new about what’s going on in the world. There is always Navy onboard, so I can socialize more.”

From his homemade sauces for Taco Tuesday to his contagious laughter heard throughout the mess decks, January said he loves being around Sailors and he never misses an opportunity to talk with the Sailors aboard the ship about the mistakes he made in his life.

“Sometime these kids get into the wrong direction, so I am showing these Sailors how not to make the same mistakes I did by talking to them,” he said.

January spent most of his childhood in Chicago. He says the neighborhoods where he grew up were tough, and gangs ruled the streets. It wasn’t until after he was hit during a fight he wasn’t even a part of that his mom sent him to live with his aunt and her family in Alabama. His mother was a single parent working two jobs and watching a teenager 7

was hard.

He moved from the third largest city in the country to Vineland, Alabama, a small country town with only one traffic light and four dirt roads.

“It was a change for me, but now that I look back on it, if I hadn’t taken this road who knows where I would be right now,” he said.

January said it was hard for him to leave his mom, but he knew that she appreciated it because it was one less worry for her.

She knew that he needed to get out of that environment and into a family-type of environment.

Living in that small town made him want to see something different.

He said he wanted to do something productive in his life, so that is what led him to want to join the military.

January enlisted in the United States Navy in 1983 as an undesignated seaman. From chipping paint to swabbing decks, he said he yearned to do more and aspired to find the job he wanted.

He remembers that his first class petty officer once told him to find something he really wanted to do.

You’ve got to find out what you want to do out here, because if not, you’re still wondering. Find something you love to do and keep going for it, his first class said.

Those words were echoed by Vietnam and Korean War veterans who came aboard his first ship USS Iowa (BB 61), which was the only ship in the fleet with a teakwood deck of which January was a plankowner.

“You have to love what you do,” said a veteran. “You have to put pride in it, and trust me, you can’t teach pride.”

January believes that pride is something you have to have inside of your head, because without it, you won’t make it.

After a period of mess cranking in the galley aboard USS Iowa, he says that he found

his passion. To this day, he is still in the galley doing what he loves to do most.

January wants Sailors to try and find the benefits from the Navy.

“Look at what you can actually gain from the military,” he said. “Don’t just run in and run out. Come in, sit back, look, pay attention and learn.”

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

January believes people should just take a timeout for the month of February to be educated on things they didn’t know.

“Absorb it in, take it in, and then spread that knowledge, not just for this month but for all months,” he said. “We should all experience every culture so we can pass it on. We’re all multi-cultural; we need to learn about everybody’s culture.”

When he was a young boy, he remembers going through the back door of the restaurant where his mother worked. Until 10 to 15 years ago, he didn’t have any idea why.

He said his mother didn’t tell him anything about it.

“I guess she probably figured there’s no need to worry about that, that’s life, you can’t change people like that,” said January. “If she started teaching me hate, I’m going to continue to have hate, so by her not teaching me to hate anything, I never created hate for anyone -- so I just said that’s in the past and moved forward.”

The majority of the world has changed and it’s changed for the better, he said.

January says he’s seen a lot of change in the military and even MSC as well.

“We still have a ways to go, but as long as people don’t teach their kids [hate], it’ll get better,” he said. “I don’t see race here. I don’t see it. If it’s here, it’s hidden. I like that part because there is a change and the change has come.”

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Female Sailors assigned to the submarine tenders USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) and USS Frank Cable (AS 40) pose for a group photo in honor of Women’s History Month.

Photo by MC3 Destinyy Reed

HIDDEN FIGURES Machinery Repairman Fireman Alexis Pollard, left, and Command Senior Chief Jacqueline Lee, right, cut the cake during a Women’s History Month presentation aboard USS Emory S. Land (AS 39).

Photo by MC2 Richard Miller 9

STORY BY MC3 DESTINYY REED

Female Sailors and civilians have a rich history of service in the Navy.

Today, women serve in every rank from seamen to admiral and hold nearly every job from boatswain’s mate to deep-sea diver. They represent 19 percent of the entire naval force, 18 percent of all officers, 7 percent of flag officers, 19 percent of all enlisted and 8 percent of senior and master chiefs.

Women began serving in the Navy in 1908 and since then they’ve contributed to 111 years of naval traditions, policies and diversity.

They’re getting the job done both in the spotlight and behind the scenes.

Many women have served as hidden figures contributing to the Navy’s success.

During the month of March, Navy commands are encouraged to join the nation in celebrating and reflecting on the trials, tribulations and victories of women throughout the armed forces and civilian sectors.

One of the many hidden figures aboard the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) is Command Senior Chief Jacqueline Lee. At just 17 years old, Lee sought out an adventure in the Navy. After 23 interesting years, she reflects back on the obstacles she’s faced in the Navy by saying that family balance was her biggest challenge.

“Sometimes people have a hard

time understanding that women are the ones who have to put their career on pause for motherhood,” said Lee. “The balance between family and work is divided by a thin line and for

a good Sailor.

“I had a hard time forming a relationship with females in the Navy because at that time I was still a boatswain’s mate, which is a predominately male rate,” said Lee. “My 5-foot tall mentor came into my life and taught me that I was a female in a position of leadership and that I couldn’t guard myself behind a wall. I had to make myself available to all Sailors, both female and male.”

There’s no limit to how many mentors and role models we’re allowed to have. Lee had both a Navy role model and a civilian role model. She had a great admiration for Dr. Maya Angelou.

“I love her because she had a rough beginning and she still defended the rights of women, children and people who didn’t have a voice,” said Lee. As the only female senior chief petty officer onboard, Lee continues to contribute to the many accomplishments women have had in the Navy. She hopes to expand her influence on Sailors by making command master chief.

“I encourage everyone to know yourself because self-awareness is important,” said Lee. “Know that we all have a voice and ideas, and that we belong here.”

“This month provides time to take a pause from our hectic autopilot routine and to take in how far women have come with their contributions to history, culture and society.” a long time I felt as though I had to put my family on pause to remain operational.”

Women’s History Month was started in 1987 to take the time out to appreciate the sacrifices and contributions women have made throughout the years.

“This month provides time to take a pause from our hectic autopilot routine and to take in how far women have come with their contributions to history, culture and society,” said Lee. “It also gives me time to do a personal self-awareness check and see what I’ve done, what I’m doing and what I’ll do to leave a legacy in life and the Navy.”

Another obstacle Lee faced during her Navy career was finding a mentor. It took 12 years before she found her role model. Many Sailors are encouraged to reach out and find a mentor to train them on how to be

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SAILORS AT THE TABLE Story by MCSA Lorenz Zuercher

When magic flies and dice hit the table it can only mean one thing aboard USS Emory S. Land - tabletop games and friendly shenanigans are afoot.

A group of Sailors aboard Land play tabletop games on a regular basis; this boosts their morale as well as gives them a means to interact with fellow Sailors they seem to have nothing in common with.

“I’ve met so many people I would have never interacted with before, people who work in other departments or have different social backgrounds than me,” said Religious Programs Specialist Seaman Matthew Maimone, a Sailor assigned to Land and a regular player at the table. “We all come together and have so much fun, we forget about any differences we may have.”

This small group has often seen Sailors come in and out, sometimes for just a single session. However, they welcome these Sailors, whether they are experts at the game or just want to learn.

“We’re always happy to have new people join our games,” said Maimone. “If they’re new, we’ll go through the motions to describe all

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the possibilities of characters they can create and how the story has progressed to where we are now.

When we first started playing with five players, I only personally knew two of them. It wasn’t long after that everyone at the table became friends.

We’ve even had people join us for just one or two sessions, people I didn’t expect, and we had a lot of fun.”

Some Sailors have even found that they can overlook disagreements or quarrels they may have with one another after a single session.

“When we first started playing I had my disagreements with some of the other players,” said Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class John Stout, a Sailor assigned to Land who plays a few days a week. “We really started to kick things off after the first session and it’s been very enjoyable ever since.”

Many occasions arise where personalities can clash, especially when someone wants to be a character that has different views than other players. To some that may cause a bit of a stir, but not here.

“When characters don’t like each other, or the decisions being made,

it stays in game,” said Maimone.

“Everyone at the table stays friendly and cordial with one another because we understand that role playing is a big aspect to the game. If your character doesn’t like someone or something because it goes against who they are, that’s fine, it doesn’t say anything about the player and if anything, it makes for a good laugh later.”

While underway on a SORTIE due to a typhoon hitting Guam, Sailors found tabletop games to be a great way to let their creative juices flow, some creating characters they had always dreamed of while others looked to fiction for reference.

“It doesn’t matter what kind of person you are, with the sheer amount of possibilities you have available you can always make a character that fits you,” said Maimone. “I’ve even seen people recreate famous characters from movies and other games. There’s something for everyone.”

Any Sailor interested in joining the table can find Maimone in the ship’s chapel during regular working hours. There’s always room at the table for shipmates seeking adventure.

The Jack is Back!

Story by MC1 Jason Behnke

Perhaps more than any other service, the Navy honors and values its customs and traditions. These customs have been kept alive by generations of Sailors. More than 16 years ago, on the one year anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the Navy broke from one tradition; a tradition as old as the Navy itself.

For most of the Navy’s history, ships flew the union jack on their bows while anchored or moored. Although the union jack changed its number of stars as America grew, it maintained a similar look; a blue background with white stars representing its colonies or states.

In 2002, Secretary of the Navy Gordon England ordered all Navy ships to begin flying the “First Navy Jack,” the first jack flown by ships in the Navy. He wanted to honor those who died in the attacks that took place one year earlier. He wanted to remind us of the Navy’s strength and resilience, and to do that, we went back to the beginning and began flying the jack our ancestors flew.

Most of us serving here have only known the “First Navy Jack.” Every day we’ve served upon these mighty naval ships, we’ve seen the familiar red and white stripes, the rattlesnake and the defiant phrase “Don’t Tread on Me.” When the Continental Navy formed in 1775, America was fighting for independence. Facing a powerful empire, with one of the greatest navies of recent history, our new country had the audacity to build a fleet and attempt to challenge them.

More than 226 years later, America faced a new enemy. After the attacks of 9/11, that phrase “Don’t Tread on Me” was a fitting reminder of why we spent so much time away from our homes and families. It was a rally cry to let the world know that we would defeat those who would do us harm.

Today the Navy faces new challenges. Our leadership wants us to look back and learn from our long history in order to face these challenges. On June 4, the anniversary of the Battle of Midway, Navy ships will again fly the union jack.

“Make no mistake: we have entered a new era of competition. We must recommit to the core attributes that made us successful at Midway: integrity, accountability, initiative and toughness,” said Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson. “For more than 240 years, the union jack, flying proudly from jackstaffs aboard U.S. Navy warships, has symbolized these strengths.”

While it may seem like a small thing, changing one jack to another, it’s good to remind ourselves of why we carry on these traditions in the first place. Every tradition and custom has a story. Thousands of Sailors lived and died carrying out these traditions so that we would remember the lessons learned from our history.

With the flying of the union jack, we aboard the USS Emory S. Land begin writing another chapter.

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LIFE LESSONS EM1 COATES FINDS HIS WAY Story and photo by MC2 Richard Miller Everyone in the Navy has a reason they joined. Whether it’s a desire to serve, make a better life for themselves and their families, or complete their education, everyone has a reason. Many future Sailors learn about their path through family members or by walking into a recruiting office, but sometimes it takes unique circumstances.

The way Electrician’s Mate 1st Class Torrey Coates, a native of Laurel, Md., joined the Navy was far from conventional. While dealing with a difficult situation, he met his recruiters by accident.

“I woke up one morning, walked outside, and my car was gone,” said Coates. “While I frantically searched for my car, I ran into two Navy recruiters who happened to be walking by in their whites.”

Coates said his unlikely encounter with the recruiters came at a critical crossroads in life for him.

“When I met them, I had a broken jaw,” said Coates. “It was wired shut and I couldn’t speak much, so I sat back and listened.

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They invited me to the recruiting office, had me take the practice ASVAB, and told me what the Navy could do for me.”

Coates was in a challenging situation; he had no high school diploma and two children to take care of.

“I was 24 years old with no long-term plan,” said Coates. “I was in a bad place and decided it was time to rise up from it.”

Enlisting in the Navy marked a huge step in Coates’ life, but his early career was not without its challenges.

“I spent my first few years as an aviation ordnanceman,” said Coates. “There were a few times I came close to not being here today.”

During his first deployment, Coates made a series of critical mistakes while performing his duties on the flight deck.

“My job as an AO was to take care of all the secondary explosive devices,” said Coates. “For bombs, the launchers use a small device called a Cartridge Actuated Device that blows up the launcher hooks so they can drop.

My primary duties were to make sure those CADs were entered into the launchers. On carriers, they have what’s called the ‘foul line’. During operations, you can’t pass the foul line or the pilot has to make a last-second diversion.

On one occasion, I had the go ahead to arm the launchers and, while doing so, crossed the foul line as a pilot was about to land.

I got kicked off the flight deck for 48 hours.”

Coates said he lost his sense of purpose while away from his job responsibilities and never wanted to feel the same feeling again. Despite this, he had an even closer brush with disaster shortly after returning from his suspension.

“The day I got back on the flight deck, something else happened,” said Coates. “When you’re out there, all you really hear is engine sounds from all sides. I was taking care of the launchers like usual and my LPO tackled me to the ground. It turns out an engine was starting up just a few feet away from me and if he had not intervened, I could have

“IF EVERYTHING DIDN’T FALL INTO PLACE EXACTLY HOW IT DID, WHO KNOWS WHERE I’D BE.”

been sucked into it.”

Coates said he sees his challenges before the Navy and during the early stages of his Navy career as learning tools that helped him become wiser.

“If everything didn’t fall into place exactly how it did, who knows where I’d be,” said Coates. “If I walked outside that day in Laurel and didn’t have to look for my car, if I never saw the recruiters, or if I never got in trouble and had those close calls as an AO; something worse could have happened. If I didn’t have those wake-up calls, I may not have been alive today to lead and

guide others.”

Coates said he uses his past as a guide to help those around him and show them the value of being cautious and observing proper safety procedures while performing their work-related tasks.

“If I had done what I was supposed to, none of those incidents would have happened,” said Coates. “Sometimes when you’re young and fresh out of boot camp, you don’t have that experience under your belt to realize that this isn’t a game. We have hazardous jobs and, if we don’t take that seriously, we can

lose our lives. I’m glad I made it through, because I love this career. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

When Coates woke up in the morning with a broken jaw and a stolen car, he was lost. Coates credits his chance encounter that day and all the hurdles he overcame in his personal and professional life with helping him discover where he truly wants to be. Sixteen years later, he is still standing, hoping to help the next generation of Sailors find their way.

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NEWS FROM THE FLEET Story and photos by MC2 Stacy Atkins Ricks

A Sailor assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun (DDG 103) demonstrates the operational wearability of the black Gortex parka and the flame-resistant, two-piece organizational clothing prototype navy blue variant. U.S. Fleet Forces Command will conduct a second test of the prototype later this year.

The goal of the initiative is to provide a no-cost, safe, and comfortable organizational clothing option to the improved, flame-resistant variant (IFRV) coverall.

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U.S. Fleet Forces (USFF) Command will begin a second round of testing later this year on a twopiece organizational clothing variant that offers flame resistance and moves the Navy one step closer to delivering Sailors a safe, comfortable, no-cost alternative to the Improved Flame Resistant Variant (IFRV) coveralls, with the same travel flexibility as the Type III working uniform.

USFF conducted the initial wear test on two-piece variants from May through September of last year and collected feedback from nearly 200 wear-test participants across surface, aviation and submarine communities about everything from colors and design, to comfort and options like buttons and hook-and-loop fasteners. The command also received feedback from more than 1,700 Sailors in an online survey about colors and design.

Fleet survey responses indicated that Sailors liked the functionality of the Type III but would like to see the design in traditional Navy uniform colors. More than 70 percent of E-6 and junior Sailors surveyed liked the navy blue blouse and trouser while a khaki version was the preference for chiefs and officers.

“Leaders are listening to the fleet when it comes to this design,” said USFF Fleet Master Chief Rick O’Rawe, a wear-test participant. “We have an obligation to keep our Sailors safe in inherently dangerous environments, but we also want to be mindful of their time. This is going to be something that’s safe, easy to maintain, and doesn’t require half-

masting of coveralls when it’s hot or having to change clothes every time you leave the ship. Never again should we have to pass the words ‘all hands shift into the uniform for entering port or getting underway.’”

The updated design, which won’t require Sailors to sew on components, will be tested by 100 officers and enlisted Sailors to see how well it performs from wash-to-wear without ironing, and how it holds up to laundering. The two-piece variant will allow for de-blousing in extreme climates and challenging work environments. An undershirt will continue to be tested with a flame-resistant, moisture-wicking fabric in black.

“I have received so much feedback just from wearing the two-piece around the command every day,” said Yeoman 1st Class Kelly Pyron, a wear-test participant assigned to USFF. “The best part is that we’ll be able to transit from the ship and run errands in the two-piece; having one standard underway and in-port across the board will be much more convenient. I am excited to see the wear test moving into the next phase of evaluation.”

Once approved, the new prototype will serve as an alternative to the IFRV coverall for operational commands. The coverall may continue to be the prescribed clothing item for some Sailors in applicable work environments.

Pyron expressed, “If a clothing item, that I will not have to buy, can make my life easier while keeping me safe, I’m all for it.”

Lt. Jamie Seibel, assigned to U.S. Fleet Forces (USFF) Command, demonstrates the operational wearability of the flame-resistant, two-piece organizational clothing prototype (khaki variant) aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG-72).

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

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