EST. 2011
JAN/FEB 2018
COMMANDING OFFICER Capt. David M. Oden EXECUTIVE OFFICER Capt. Christopher C. Westphal COMMAND MASTER CHIEF CMDCM (SW/AW) Larry A. Lynch PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER LTJG Emily Wilkin DEPUTY PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER MC1 (SW/AW) Larry Carlson MEDIA LEADING PETTY OFFICER MC1 (SW/AW) Larry Carlson LAYOUT DESIGNER MC2 (SW) Devin M. Langer STAFF MC1 (NAO/AW) Mathew Diendorf MC2 (SW/AW/IW) Dennis Grube MC2 Eric Zeak MC3 Asher Allen MC3 Colby Mothershead MCSN (SW) Austin Breum
AROUND THE ISLAND is an authorized publication for the crewmembers of USS MAKIN ISLAND (LHD 8). Contents herein are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Navy or the Commanding Officer of MAKIN ISLAND. ATI is edited, prepared and provided by the MKI media division. All news releases, photos or information for publication in AROUND THE ISLAND must be submitted to the PAO. All submissions are edited for accuracy, clarity, brevity and conformance to style. The staff reserves the right to edit or reject any submission.
On The Cover ‘SH2 Zemario Sheppard Speaks During the African American Heritage Celebration’
Photo of the Month
By MC2 Devin M. Langer “Airman Paul Alderete Meets with a Resident of Stellar Care’
FEATURE
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NC Story
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INDOC Story NEWSWORTHY
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A Stellar Interaction MKI Sailors Volunter at Assisted Living Home
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Black History Month
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Word on the Non-Skid
MKI Sailors Volunter at Ronald McDonald House
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Months In Review ati 4
Becoming a Navy Career U.S. Navy story by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eric Zeak
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n a small office of the USS Makin Island (LHD 8) barge, Navy Career Counselors (NCs) feverishly work to assist Sailors. The workspace is cramped as many people have packed into the room to talk about various concerns. It’s busy and it’s loud. On the surface, these conditions may not seem ideal, but it’s exactly what Makin Island’s two newest NCs signed up for. Makin Island received two newly minted NCs in NC1 Shrese Davis and NC2 Quintavious Nelson. While both have been on board for more than a year, their lateral conversion to NC became official in December. A Navy Career Counselor is the pilot of a Sailor’s career. They are available to help with a variety of situations including everything from reenlistments to separations. In short, they are the guru of all things Navy. NC2 Nelson likened the job to being a librarian. “There is a lot of information out there to assist you with your Naval career,” said Nelson. “We are the liaison between a Sailor and whatever their career intentions are. We connect them with detailers, PSD [Personnel Support Detachment], or anybody they need to talk to.” Nelson said the job can be easy, but also very difficult. “It’s easy because an instruction can tell you everything you need to know about the job,” said Nelson. “It’s tough because things get complicated when you’re dealing with people. An instruction doesn’t account for the human interaction.”
The human interaction aspect of the job is where Davis found a passion in taking care of Sailors. “I saw a need to educate and guide our Sailors to make the right decisions for their careers,” said Davis. “Seeing a person walk around the ship succeeding in their career is what makes it all worth it.” She emphasized that characteristics like patience and communication skills are essential since her rate is in the business of customer service. NC is a unique rate in the Navy, largely in part because you can’t join the Navy as an NC. You have to convert into it. There are a few requirements for the qualification process. A Sailor has to be an E-5 and have six years in the Navy. Having the command
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Counselor said Nelson. “A lot of it had to be during my free time, but it was necessary. I started learning the programs they work with and picked up on the little things about the job.” Nelson said it’s about taking the action into your own hands. If you want to pursue something, don’t let anybody tell you no. At the end of the day, it’s your career. It was that kind of attitude that drove the prior Hull Maintenance Technician to become an NC. He said he wanted to be an NC simply because he likes helping people. “I like seeing the excitement when somebody gets what they want,” said Nelson. “For example, somebody cross rates to a rate they want and that makes them happy. That’s exciting to me. Somebody converts from enlisted to officer, that’s exciting. That’s why I like this job.” Davis echoed the same sentiment, saying becoming an NC has been the most rewarding decision she has ever made in her Navy career. career counselor collateral for a year is also a requirement. Nelson explained the conversion process and said the best way to get things started is to talk to the NCs.
Back in the office, the NCs are still intensely working. A conversation about a recruiting package wraps up and a Sailor leaves the office ready to take the next step to further his career. As one customer leaves another one enters. It’s an opportunity to help one more person in an endless sea of Sailors seeking career advice.
“People should come to us if they want to be an NC and we can determine if it might be a good fit for them,” said Nelson. “After that, if somebody really wants the job, they’ll come back. They’ll take on a departmental or divisional role as a career counselor and they’ll do the necessary on the job training.” Both Nelson and Davis put in an extensive amount of time for on the job training and both highlighted the importance of it. “I came into the office and got face time with the NCs,” ati 6
A Stellar Interaction Makin Island Sailors Visit Assisted Living Home U.S. Navy story by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Devin M. Langer
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ailors assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) visited Stellar Care, an assisted living and residential care home for retired men and women with Alzheimer’s and other related dementias, Jan. 24.
said Airman Paul Alderete, assigned to the Makin Island air department. “The residents here may not always have people who come visit them, so it was very heartwarming to connect with them and learn about their lives.”
The visit allowed fifteen Sailors to volunteer their time getting to know and share stories with various residents.
For Alderete, the connection was deeper than he had originally expected.
“This was very great experience for me,”
“I haven’t had a grandparent since 2000,” said Alderete. “One lady told me that I reminded her of her grandson, and that really hit home with me because she reminded me a lot of my grandmother.” Religious Programs Specialist 2nd Class Tiffany Hess, coordinator for volunteer service opportunities aboard Makin Island, said the visit was important to her because in a way, it’s a glimpse into the future. “One day we’ll be retired and we may have some of the same issues that these residents have,” said Hess. “It was very beneficial to
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hear their stories and learn about how they got to where they are today and how they keep moving forward.” Hess also said that she was very touched when she spoke to one of the residents at the home. “I spoke to a woman named Janet,” said Hess, “and one of the things she told me was that one of her favorite parts of the day is having people come visit her. Each visit is like a way to motivate her and help her stay happy. I could tell she was very happy after the visit from our Sailors today.” Rachel Robinson, the activities coordinator for Stellar Care, said the residents really enjoyed the visit and were grateful to have the opportunity to connect with each Sailor. “For some residents, they really felt a bond because they were either in the military, married to someone in the military or had children in the military,” said Robinson. As Makin Island continues its depot-level maintenance availability, Sailors will continue to have volunteer opportunities, connect with and give back to local communities. ati 8
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Word
ON THE NON-SKID National African American Heritage Month
AO3 Rakeem Williams Celebrating African American accomplishments is important because it paved the way for equality and equal opportunity on all fronts.
DC2 Coleman Johnson I think celebrating African American accomplishments is important because it recognizes the strength that diversity carries and shows that everyone truly brings a unique perspective to the table.
GM2 Shane West
It is important to celebrate African American accomplishments throughout history because amidst the many disadvantages and adversities they faced, they have persevered and contributed immensely not only to the forward progression of the nation but to its immediate development. ati 10
Checked In
Makin Island Sailors Attend Indoctrination Course U.S. Navy story by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Colby Mothershead
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hatter filled the dimly lit room as the students prepared for class. With pens and notebooks in hand, the voices begin to fade. The class was about to start.
“OSSN Carroll!” “Present!”
“YN1 Clinger!” “Here!” New check-in Sailors assigned to amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) learned about the policies, procedures and programs offered at the command through the indoctrination program in the classroom at the bowling alley on board Naval Base
San Diego, Feb. 5 through Feb. 16. Command indoctrination programs are designed to facilitate the adaptation of Sailors and their families into new working and living environments. They minimize the anxiety associated with a permanent change of station (PCS) and afford Sailors and their families the opportunity for a successful and productive tour of duty. The program covers a broad spectrum of topics such as Damage Control (DC), Maintenance and Material Management (3M), Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT), Safety, Equal Opportunity, as well as the standards and schedules pertaining to each Sailors job on board. Damage Controlman 1st Class Pedro Mena, a Makin Island indoctrination DC instructor, commented that the program is crucial to the success of new Sailors on board. “I think it is important because it gives new Sailors the opportunity to brush up on the things taught in boot camp about shipboard life and it gets them into a ship-ready mentality,” said Mena. Mena spent his time with the class emphasizing the importance and significance of why everyone needs to learn DC and how it directly affects the ship. “Having everybody with basic knowledge on Damage Control will save the ship if something were to ever go wrong and that’s the ultimate goal,” said Mena.
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DC is the largest segment in the course, closely followed by 3M. Sailors are required to qualify in both programs after check in, even if it is outside of their specific rate or job. Aviation Support Equipment Technician 1st Class Kyle Mattocks, a Makin Island indoctrination 3M instructor, commented that it’s imperative that junior Sailors pay attention and understand why the program is important to the ship. “It truly displays that there is a bigger picture in the Navy,” said Mattocks. “It shows Sailors that there is more outside of themselves and that getting qualifications and gathering basic knowledge about other jobs makes everyone more valuable.” Mattocks taught basic 3M during the course where he demonstrated the steps necessary to properly upkeep the equipment, parts and supplies Sailors use regularly throughout the ship. Mattocks is also in charge of the sponsor and mentorship program aboard Makin Island where he emphasizes that new Sailors find a senior Sailor that can help mentor them and put them on the right track early in their career.
expectations to newly reporting Sailors. This process is essential to setting professional development goals and the command’s expectations. Makin Island stands strong in the belief that if Sailors have a clear understanding of their job requirements and the command mission, they will perform better. Indoctrination correlates with long term success, both personally and professionally. Makin Island will continue to host the program to ensure that all new check-ins get the tools they need to do their job and to help them adapt to their roles aboard the ship.
“Alright everyone, thanks for your participation. Good luck and welcome aboard!”
Yeoman 1st Class Tammy Clinger, a Sailor present in the most recent course, shared her experience amongst her fellow classmates. “Whether you are a junior Sailor or a senior Sailor, it is a fantastic program,” said Clinger. “It’s clear, concise and gives you the tone and the expectations of your new command.” Clinger also said if there wasn’t a program, a lot of Sailors on board would be lost, uninformed and would potentially get into trouble because when they needed help or had questions, they wouldn’t know who to reach out to. Makin Island’s indoctrination program has been the cornerstone for communicating requirements and ati 12
Makin Island Celebrates
AFRICAN AMERICAN
AND BLACK HISTORY
MONTH
U.S. Navy story by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Austin Breum
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iversity Committee Sailors assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) held an observance for African American/ Black History Month in the theater on Naval Base San Diego, Feb. 16. The ceremony was kicked off when Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuel) 3rd Class Sherelle Merino sang “Lift Every Voice,” the adopted official song of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, more commonly known as the “Negro National Anthem.”
The ceremony included personal poems written by Ship’s Serviceman 2nd Class Zemario Sheppard and Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Neavrae Gibson and a speech by Airman Isaac Pettis. Following Pettis’ speech, Sheppard and Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Arthur Rainey presented a video demonstrating African Americans in times of war, showcasing different times they stood up and broke down racial barriers that were once placed in front of them.
Merino’s performance was followed by a word from Makin Island Commanding Officer, Capt. David Oden.
After the video, Makin Island’s diversity committee dressed as different influential, inspirational African American leaders, describing who they were and what their significance was.
“When I think about observing these months, what comes to my mind is the Makin Island team and the diversity that we have within it,” said Oden. “All of us come from a different background and a different place and us coming together with those different experiences makes us who we are.”
“As you’ve heard, the future started yesterday,” said guest speaker Chief Information Systems Technician Chris Stanley, “and the list of accomplishments and meritorious acts continue to amount, as our country and military continue to strive towards perfect equality.” Stanley concluded the ceremony with his personal words of encouragement. “As we continue to grow, know that there will be hardship, pain and joy,” said Stanley. “But continue to perfect your craft. Communicate with the spirit of our ancestors, and burst through the ceilings of ‘not ever’. Making progress not only possible, but definite.”
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Service with a Smile Makin Island Sailors Volunteer at Ronald McDonald House
U.S. Navy story by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Devin M. Langer
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ailors assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) volunteered to help prepare and serve lunch for families at the Ronald McDonald House Charity (RMHC) Feb. 12. RMHC is an organization that offers families care and services as their children receive treatment for serious or life-threatening conditions at nearby medical facilities. Volunteering gives Sailors the chance to give back to the community and it allows them to connect with those who support them. “This was a very enjoyable experience for
me,” said Electronics Technician 1st Class Adrian Bautista. “It always makes me feel great knowing that I’m able to help support families going through hard times.” Religious Programs Specialist 2nd Class Tiffani Hess, a coordinator for volunteer service events aboard Makin Island, has volunteered at this event multiple times and said the experience gets better every time. “Organizations like this work mostly from volunteer service,” said Hess. “It’s a huge benefit to the community when our Makin Island Sailors come out and support those in need.” The preparation for lunch included cooking the main course, slicing vegetables, making salad, putting out desserts and serving plates to the families. As Makin Island continues its depot-level maintenance availability, Sailors will continue to have volunteer opportunities, connect with and give back to local communities.
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8 1 0 2 Y R A U R B E F & Y R A U N JA
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