Stennis Sailors Have What It Takes To Be COOL

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Fred Gray IV, USS John C. Stennis Public Affairs

USS JOHN C STENNIS, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) are taking advantage of Navy Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL), a program that helps Sailors find information on certifications and licenses related to their enlisted or officer jobs, rates, designators, or collateral duties.

Navy COOL outlines how Sailors can meet civilian certification and license requirements and provides links to numerous resources on how to pay for training and testing.

"I think Navy COOL is great," said Navy Counselor 1st Class Preston Rodgers, a career counselor aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier Stennis, from Odessa, Texas. "The best part is that certain credentials are paid for by the Navy, and it gives you the chance to put actual certifications or licenses on your resume instead of just experience."

Navy COOL can assist with goal setting within the command and furthering a Sailor's education.

"It looks very good on a Sailor's record," said Chief Navy Counselor Jean-Hero Lamy, command career counselor aboard Stennis, from Miami, Fla. "It shows initiative and the ability to go above and beyond to stand out among their peers."

Sailors can benefit from Navy COOL whether they have been in for a couple of months or a couple of decades.

"We [Navy counselors] offer a pre-separation brief, which we encourage Sailors who are getting out of the Navy to attend so that they can find out about programs and entitlements such as Navy COOL," said Lamy. "It can play a vital role to their success in the civilian job market."

Navy COOL has multiple benefits for Sailors still serving and for Sailors who are about to separate.

The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group, consisting of Stennis, Carrier Air Wing 9, Destroyer Squadron 21, and guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) are forward deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility to strengthen regional partnerships, sustain maritime security, and support combatant commander requirements for assets in the area.