Photo By Leslie Hull-Ryde | John Carpinelli is stationed on board USNS Yukon (T-AO 202). The fleet replenishment...... read more read more
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In the sea services, including Military Sealift Command, deployments are expected.
It’s a special way of life that is critical to ensuring freedom of navigation around the globe. Those who sign up for the challenge, like the civil service and contracted mariners in MSC, understand the unique demands.
What makes the long hours, high-tempo operations, and extended periods away from home worthwhile are successful mission accomplishment and the team of professionals who make it all come together, according to one able seaman on USNS Yukon (T-AO 202).
John Carpinelli joined MSC three years ago, and the fleet replenishment oiler is the first USNS ship for this Woodbridge, NJ, native. As an able seaman he spends a lot of time on the bridge, standing watch. His efforts, combined with those of his fellow civil service mariners, help ensure the ship safely navigates the Indo-Pacific Region and efficiently conducts its mission of providing U.S. Navy and partner nations’ ships with critical supplies – like food, fuel, and cargo.
To accomplish all that, a professional cadre of civil service mariners, like Carpinelli, work together. To the non-seafaring type, it may look easy, like a well-choreographed dance. But, being responsible for a ship the size of Yukon takes expertise, attention to detail, and the unwavering commitment of all the civil service mariners on the bridge at any given time.
When on duty, everyone knows his or her role, and like Carpinelli, performs it skillfully. One watchstander will oversee the bridge team, giving orders so the ship gets where it’s needed, when it’s needed to resupply a U.S. Navy ship with needed provisions. Another may navigate the ship, while another mariner steers it. At all times, someone is looking out for other ships and small boats, helping to inform the ship’s course depending on the water traffic. Roving members of the team regularly walk through all spaces on the ship, making sure all equipment, cargo – and more importantly crew members – are safe and secure.
After serving in the U.S. Navy as an aviation ordnanceman on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63), in Yokosuka, Japan, Carpinelli understands how everyone plays a critical role. He’s transferred that same approach to MSC.
It truly is a team effort, and Carpinelli and every crew member – whether on the bridge or in the belly of the ship -- make invaluable contributions to mission accomplishment.
How would you describe the responsibilities of your job?
My priority is to stand watch, four hours on, eight off – and repeat. I might take on any one of the roles assigned to an able seaman on the bridge team. During my rotation, I might be at the helm, steering the ship; as a lookout, keeping an eye out for other vessels; or I might be a rover, making sure every area of the ship is secure.
How does this position contribute to mission accomplishment?
Being a watchstander is exactly what it sounds like – watching out for the ship and crew. An able seaman is rather important because we help keep the ship on course and make sure we are sailing safely. We have to stay alert at all times.
What's the most difficult or challenging part of your job?
The only thing I find challenging or difficult is being on long deployments and being away from my family for so long.
What's the most gratifying part of your job?
As a veteran, I’m honored to help support my fellow brothers and sisters!
| Date Taken: | 02.26.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 03.09.2021 13:10 |
| Story ID: | 389989 |
| Location: | U.S. 7TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY |
| Web Views: | 46 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Able Seaman: Teamwork Key to Safe Operations, by Leslie Hull-Ryde, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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