Photo By Leslie Hull-Ryde | Reservists like Lt. Jesse Story who serve throughout Military Sealift Command bring a...... read more read more
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Reservists serving throughout Military Sealift Command bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and dedication to ensuring the important mission of keeping the fleet afloat is accomplished.
Their support may lead them across the United States or around the world – literally. Take Lt. Jesse Story, for instance. He transitioned from active duty almost two years ago and is currently in Yokohama, Japan, a long way from his home in Tulsa, Okla.
Since joining the reserves, he has supported MSC in multiple ways. First, he was assigned to Expeditionary Port Unit 111 out of Navy Operational Support Center, Oklahoma City. In the beginning of his reserve service, he participated in a series of two-week, annual training, or AT, periods, supporting training events and exercises in Japan. Since October of 2019, he has had several leadership positions with MSC Far East’s Ship Support Unit Japan – first as the deputy operations officer, then as the deputy director, and now as the director and officer in charge. He says he enjoys the assignment in Japan and appreciates MSC’s important mission there so much, he extended and will be in place until the end of this fiscal year.
All this on top of his active-duty service – and an accomplished career in the private sector.
Story received his Bachelor of Science in nutritional sciences, with a concentration in dietetics, and minors in psychology and chemistry from Oklahoma State University. He earned his Master of Science in wellness management, specifically exercise sciences. Before taking his oath of office, Story worked in gyms and the healthcare profession for seven years.
Once he put on his uniform, the surface warfare officer reported to his first ship. His initial assignment after officer candidate school was aboard USS Normandy (CG-60) as the electrical officer. At the end of an around-the-world deployment, Story became the electronics maintenance officer during Normandy’s yard period. His next shipboard assignment was on USS Cole (DDG 67), where he served as damage control assistant, gas free engineer, and safety officer.
It was after that tour that Story decided to affiliate with the reserves. A naval officer at heart, he wanted to contribute in other ways, while at the same time explore options outside the service.
When not in uniform, he is a project manager and business analyst. Story says his experiences as a decision support specialist can translate directly to the responsibilities he has as the OIC of SSU Japan. To continue honing those skills, he will start working on his master’s in business analytics this fall.
After that degree is complete, who knows? The Tulsa native says he may decide to go to medical school, exchanging his khakis for scrubs.
Why did you affiliate with the Navy Reserve?
When I transitioned to the reserves from active duty, I wanted to keep ties to the Navy as I enjoyed my time in service, but I wanted to serve in a different way. I really like being in this supporting role.
Why did you want to support Military Sealift Command?
I enjoy the mission sets of MSC as a support to the fleet and to the Department of Defense.
What are some of your responsibilities as officer in charge of MSC SSU Japan?
MSC SSU Japan has to juggle a lot of balls, without dropping any of them. We coordinate the U.S. Navy and Department of Defense logistical requirements throughout all of Japan. In addition to ensuring our ships get the fuel and supplies they need, we help plan exercises and help safely move personnel and equipment to U.S. forces operating throughout the entire INDO-PACIFIC Region. Since COVID-19 hit, we have helped coordinate the moves of civil service and contracted mariners as people rotate off the MSC ships operating in this theater and as reliefs try to marry up with their ships.
What are some of the challenges of your job?
Manning, especially during the pandemic. Like many other commands, our operational tempo and increased responsibilities have increased multi-fold since COVID-19 hit. Also, I’m thankful that MSC entrusted the command to me, which is billeted for a post-department head O-4 or O-5. Many times, I’m the most junior officer at a table, yet I have as much authority as more senior officers, and I need to make sure I represent appropriately, regardless of the number of stripes on my sleeve.
What about your job gratifies you most?
My greatest satisfaction is in the work that I do. Although the days are long and I am often tired and worn out, I am energized knowing I can always look back to what I have been able to achieve with my team and the amount of support we have been able to provide the fleet and our civil service and contracted mariners.
Why is your position important and how does it contribute to mission accomplishment?
It’s critical that our ships have the supplies – and the people – they need to effectively do their missions. One of the most important things we do is help move mariners to and from their ships safely and efficiently. The movement of personnel and crew swaps into and out of this area of operations would be impacted greatly if every member of the SSU Japan team was not carrying his or her load. We have a lot of ground to cover as we work in one of the largest operational sea port areas in this area of responsibility, moving thousands of crew members and shuttling tons of supplies throughout the region.
What would you say to other reservists who may be interested in supporting MSC?
Be prepared to work. We operate at a high op tempo to support the fleet, but it’s worth it.
| Date Taken: | 02.19.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 02.24.2021 01:36 |
| Story ID: | 389355 |
| Location: | U.S. 7TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY |
| Web Views: | 186 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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