Refuse to Sink: USS John P. Murtha Sailors, New and Old, Adopt New Resiliency Training

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Kyle Carlstrom | 190219-N-NB544-1012 PACIFIC OCEAN (Feb. 19, 2019) Sailors watch a video about anger management during a "Refuse to Sink" resiliency program session aboard the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26). John P. Murtha is underway conducting routine operations as a part of USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) in the eastern Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kyle Carlstrom)  

UNITED STATES

02.19.2019

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Kyle Carlstrom  

Amphibious Squadron 5

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kyle Carlstrom, USS John P. Murtha Public Affairs

PACIFIC OCEAN –Sailors at sea balance a demanding workload mixed with training evolutions and watch standing. These long underway times separated from family and friends can lead some to a feeling lonely and even isolated.
Aboard the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), both new and experienced Sailors embrace a program to aimed to ease the feelings of stress and isolation; “Refuse to Sink.”
“We started this back in the summer of 2018 during RIMPAC (Rim of the Pacific) as a way to help develop a resiliency training program,” said Religious Program Specialist 1st Class Gregory Bailey, a founder of Refuse to Sink. “Instead of doing power point or other traditional trainings the program is peer-led. We show a video, and then the Sailors lead the discussion from there, talking about whatever it is they want to talk about. The initial focus is on first-term Sailors; however we have had a lot of participation from veteran Sailors as well.”
Murtha was tasked by U.S. Pacific Fleet to create a resiliency pilot program that Bailey and the pervious chaplain took and ran with. Together they developed a 10-week “first season” course and soon feedback came rolling back to Bailey.
“Most of the time when we have a training, most Sailors are already tuned out due to the monotony or lack of engagement from the facilitator,” said Bailey. “By giving Sailors the opportunity for them to discuss what is on their minds, to help not only themselves, but others in the training, it provided a spark within the Sailors that this program is for them. We immediately started hearing about how much it helped and what else they wanted to see and talk about.”
The first session was done and all signs pointed to success yet the new resiliency program had no name. By strange coincidence, the answer was framed right in front of Bailey.
“We had been trying to think of a catchy name, trying to stay Navy,” explained Bailey. “My wife gave me a picture frame with the words ‘Refuse to Sink’ along the border. It was perfect, because being the in Navy, we refuse to sink, and with this program we don’t want you to sink into your problems, sink into your issues. The name was submitted and it stuck.”
Since coming to the Murtha, Lt. Cmdr. Joseph Roach, the command chaplain, has embraced the program.
“I arrived on board for the last session of what we’re calling seasons,” said Roach. “Right away RP1 and I started talking about what we could do and what modifications we could make based on the feedback we had received. The Religious Ministries Team on a ship is here for the Sailors, whether it’s for spiritual or basic everyday guidance. Having this program is vital because resiliency is a non-negotiable factor for sustaining operations. We can’t do what we do day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year, if we’re not resilient. I’m happy this program is here and I’m excited to see where we can take it.”
As a 19-year Sailor, Chief Ship’s Serviceman Heather Mitchell, a facilitator for the program, noticed a difference amongst Sailors, both new and within her peer group.
“In the beginning there was push-back, as there sometimes is when there is training we have to do,” said Mitchell. “The thought was this was how to keep people in the Navy and how to have resiliency in the Navy. But after awhile people began to realize this was more about having resiliency with life. For a lot of first-term Sailors, they have nothing to compare this to. This is their first job and this gives them an avenue on how to bounce back. I wish I had this program when I was a junior Sailor. Being able to ask these questions and get the answers I believe will help our junior Sailors strive to be greater.”
As a first-term Sailor, Seaman Dante Jones has been in the program since its inception and sees how much of an impact the program has made.
“Our emotional and mental stand points are important,” said Jones. “With the name ‘Refuse to Sink,’ I believe it’s a great metaphor for refusing to let your depression or sadness or failure or anything stop you from succeeding. Having that determination to stay afloat. For first-term Sailors, myself included, this is the first time we’re away from our families, doing something we’ve never done before and having this program to back us up and that reassurance gives us comfort.”
With season two underway, the Sailors aboard John P. Murtha will continue to push forward, meeting with each other and, as a family, helping each other to succeed; both in the Navy, and in life.
John P. Murtha is underway conducting routine operations as a part of USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

• Date Taken: 02.19.2019
• Date Posted: 02.22.2019 00:50
• Story ID: 311553
• Location: US