USS Whidbey Island Welcomes Fleet and Family Support Prior to Return to Homeport

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW/AW) Desiree D. Green, USS Whidbey Island Public Affairs

USS WHIDBEY ISLAND, Atlantic Ocean (NNS) -- Deployed Sailors aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) welcomed representatives from Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Jan. 26-30.

FFSC representatives conducted several classes over the three-day period to assist in the smooth transition from life afloat to life ashore to a crew that has been underway for nearly a year.

"Seeing the Fleet and Family representatives brings the end of deployment into focus for our Sailors," said Whidbey Island Command Master Chief (SW/AW) Kevin Goodrich. "After ten and a half months of operational stress and mission focus, they are finally given the opportunity and the vehicle to start shifting their thoughts to the return and reunion they are about to enjoy. They are very excited to see civilians with news from home; and the enthusiasm Susan and Linda bring is infectious."

Both retired Navy chiefs, representatives Linda Wilkinson and Susan Presnell educated Sailors over a three day period offering both group and one-on-one information sessions. The classes included reunion and intimacy, returning single Sailors, returning to children, single parenting, new parents and money management.

"We are here to provide programs that ease the integration for both the Sailor and their family members," explained Wilkinson. "We offer programs, information, and referral services for self-improvement, counseling, parenting and money matters for the children and all the way up. Our job is to assist the military family in whatever they may need."

Several Whidbey Island service members who attended the briefs agreed that Wilkinson and Presnell were beneficial not only because they provided valuable transitional information, but also because of their personal experiences as former service members.

"They have made me so much more comfortable with going home," said Operations Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Jody Miller, who attended several of the briefs offered. "I could definitely tell they were prior enlisted. The information that they put out was very helpful and they were really understanding of our situation and current state of mind."

Wilkinson agrees that her military background gives her insight on how to approach personnel.

"I have a deep passion for this. I love working with service members," said Wilkinson. "Having both been prior enlisted; I believe it makes us more sensitive and able to relate to what they are going through. I feel like if I can help them help themselves, it improves their quality of life, their careers, their home lives. They are taken care of and that will improve their lives and ultimately, mission readiness."

Many members of the crew agree that after a deployment of this length, outreach from FFSC is important.

"It's good that they came," said Hull Technician Fireman Preston Myatt. "We've been gone so long that for many of us, we need a little bit of help and encouragement being reintroduced to society and our families. I learned a lot and I felt like we could really be ourselves when discussing how we were feeling."

"I think that it's very important that these services are provided to Sailors during deployment. It gives us an idea of what to expect and how things may have changed," said Miller. "My favorite brief was on reunion and intimacy. It covered almost everything and they used skits to re-enact real life situations that we may encounter after our return."

In addition, representatives held briefs on everything from purchasing a new vehicle in Hampton Roads, Va., to current state laws. They also held a baby shower for the new fathers on board.

"It was really special besides being very informative," said Logistics Specialist Seaman Aaron Perry. "I learned a lot of things that I didn't know. I was extremely nervous, but I left the shower feeling much better about handling the challenge of being a first-time dad. I am so thankful that the ship and the representatives cared enough to do that for us."

In total, FFSC representatives held more than 10 classes over a three-day period.

"Fleet and Family Support Centers play a vital role in the Navy by ensuring Sailors and their families have access to the resources necessary to maintain the highest state of personal and family readiness," said Goodrich. "In addition to the seven briefs they offer to returning ships, they offer briefs to the families of returning Sailors and work closely in a supporting capacity with our Ombudsman and Family Readiness Groups."

Neither Presnell nor Wilkinson had worked with a crew deployed for this length of time, and were impressed with the crew's continuing morale.

"The crew has been phenomenal," said Presnell. "From the moment we stepped foot on deck, they made us feel like family. I was expecting some low morale but everyone is in really good spirits. I don't know if it's because they are headed home, but I think it's just an amazing crew."

"We didn't really have to change our approach. The crew has really handled this deployment very well and adapted. They were great," Wilkinson added.

Though many crew members were grateful for having FFSC provide these resources, Presnell and Wilkinson were equally grateful for the opportunity to assist them.

"I am truly humbled to be here," said Presnell. "This crew has done essentially two deployments back to back. I have a ton of respect and I am very grateful for their service. They have been standing the watch for almost an entire year while we have been at home with our families. I am excited for them to return home and I know I speak for both of us when I say that we are glad to have been here to share in their happiness as they finally make their way home to their friends and family. They truly deserve it."

Whidbey Island deployed March 23, 2011 as part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group. The Whidbey Island has spent the past ten and a half months supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet area of responsibility.