Story by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christopher Frost

WATERS SURROUNDING THE KOREAN PENINSULA – Sailors aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) attended a career fair on the ship’s aft mess decks and training room complex, March 26.

Navy career counselors and experts from different rates and communities displayed information about cross rating opportunities, officer packages, reenlistment eligibility, special programs, and more.
“On deployment, people get into a groove and forget about some of the opportunities they have,” said Navy Counselor 1st Class Brendon Hart, from Salem, Ohio, assigned to the Raptors of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71. “The career fair is a way to prominently display this information and remind Sailors about their options.”
It is important for Sailors interested in any packages or special programs to stay up-to-date, because the protocols can change rapidly, explained Hart. Navy career counselors are the most reliable source for information, and they are at every Sailor’s disposal.

“We hold the tools to help Sailors enhance their careers and achieve their goals, both professionally and personally,” said Hart.

For Sailors interested in striking or cross rating, nine representatives from different rates educated Sailors about their community. Each speaker gave information about day-to-day duties, shore rotation, possible duty stations and requirements for joining their rates.

Information Systems Technician (IT) 1st Class Zachary James, from Seattle, focused his presentation on the application of his rate’s knowledge in the civilian sector.

“I broke down the different disciplines of being an IT, the day-to-day activities as well as the benefits we take advantage of,” said James.

Seaman Jovonte Brown, from Arlington, Ga., learned about the master-at-arms rate, which he intends to strike for.

“I was really impressed by the presentation,” said Brown. “[The presenters] showed all the unique training, duty stations and civilian qualifications the rate offers.”
Providing a ready force supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific, John C. Stennis is operating as part of the Great Green Fleet on a regularly scheduled 7th Fleet deployment.
For more news on USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) visit http://navy.mil/local/cvn74/ or http://www.facebook.com/stennis74.