USS Portland Implements “Shift Colors” Program to Get Sailors Back on Track

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Devin Kates | 211025-N-VQ947-1075 RED SEA (Oct. 25, 2021) — Amphibious transport dock USS Portland (LPD 27) flies the battle ensign during a photo exercise, Oct. 25. Portland and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Devin Kates)  

GULF OF ADEN

12.20.2021

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Devin Kates 

USS Portland (LPD 27)

GULF OF ADEN (Dec. 20, 2021) — U.S. Navy warships are designed to operate at sea for months at a time, but even the sturdiest hulls must eventually return to port, shift colors and begin a maintenance period in order to return to peak performance. For some ships, extraordinary conditions warrant a return home sooner than expected.
In the same sense, the “Shift Colors” program is designed to give Sailors who have drifted astray a much-needed maintenance period to repair their worn or damaged “hull” of personal and professional resilience.
USS Portland recently implemented the Shift Colors program, led by Lt. Donald Nelson, ship’s Chaplain, with a team of Chiefs and 1st Class Petty Officers. The monthly classes will offer training in leadership and coaching designed to uplift and encourage Sailors to be better personally and professionally.
“I'm excited about this program because it’s giving more attention, mentorship and guidance to those Sailors who may not have been receiving that from their respective departments," said Religious Programs Specialist 2nd Class Michael Judge, a member of the Shift Colors mentorship team.
The program is highly encouraged for Sailors who are facing a disciplinary issue. However, the class is open to all Sailors who want to receive mentorship and improve their professional performance. Shift Colors is designed to reinforce the Navy’s core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment, as well as personal responsibility and accountability.
“This is not designed to be punitive, but as support to help Sailors correct those areas in their life that need adjusting,” said Lt. Nelson. “Life happens and we all have consequences for our actions, but this team is designed to coach them up and offer support as they find renewed energy to follow through with their respective areas of concern.”
The Shift Colors program has already been successfully implemented on the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), and a similar program, called “About Face”, on the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Portland held its first session of Shift Colors on Nov. 29.
Portland and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points.

• Date Taken: 12.20.2021
• Date Posted: 01.02.2022 09:40
• Story ID: 411561
• Location: GULF OF ADEN