Mentorship Makes a Difference

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Karl Anderson, USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Public Affairs

GULF OF OMAN (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) are helping one another using a mentorship program that pairs veteran Sailors with less experienced Sailors to help foster career development and professional growth.

Senior Chief Logistics Specialist (SW/AW/EXW) Randy Caras is a mentorship program coordinator. He said it is important to find the right mentor to guide you personally and professionally.

"It's always good to have someone else provide insight from their experiences," he said. "Regardless of where you are in your career, you can always benefit from a mentor."

Caras said mentoring is part of Harry S. Truman's command culture and is an integral aspect of naval leadership.

"Senior Sailors have a responsibility to pass down their experience, wisdom and expertise to junior Sailors," he said.

When Hospitalman Herbert Navarro reported to Harry S. Truman, he knew exactly what he wanted in a mentor.

"I looked for someone to inspire me to push harder and try to do better in all aspects of my life and career," he said. "Someone with experience more than anything else."

He found such a mentor in Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) Harold Nance.

"Chief Nance is like a big brother mixed with a career counselor," said Navarro. "He doesn't let me slide and he doesn't shoot from the hip. If he doesn't have the facts he'll find them."

Navarro said he and Nance help each other accomplish their goals.

"Chief Nance makes sure I'm on track to accomplish my goals, but this is not a one-sided relationship," said Navarro. "I help him accomplish his goals as well. Even though he's had a successful career, he still has his own goals and ambitions. I admire that. It keeps me motivated."

Navarro said everyone can benefit from a mentor, regardless of rank or age.

"It's always nice to know that you have at least one person in your corner," said Navarro. "If for no other reason, at least you know you're not by yourself."

Nance said mentorship is not only about professional guidance, but helping Sailors in all aspects of their life.

"When a Sailor is dealing with problems at home, you offer a different perspective to make the situation better," said Nance. "Not necessarily how they can fix the problem, but you give them the tools to make it better."

He said a mentor is pertinent to success-they are the glue that binds everything together. The whole goal of the mentorship program is to set the precedent that you are not alone.

"Nobody can live and operate in the world alone," said Nance. "No matter how successful you are, nobody knows everything. Even as a chief petty officer, I can learn something from the junior Sailors. You have to be open for the opportunity to learn. That is what is rewarding. The return is much more than the give."