USS Patriot Enjoys High Retention During Fall Patrol

By Joshua J. Wahl
Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW)

OKINAWA, JAPAN - The Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship, USS Patriot (MCM 7) reenlisted five Sailors, or more than six percent of its 80 member crew, during the month of October.

According to Patriot's command career counselor, Yeoman 1st Class (SW) Steven Hood, reenlistments give the Navy the ability to retain the right mix of skilled and motivated Sailors who are critical to today's mission accomplishment and tomorrow's readiness.

"I am proud of the retention we have on this ship," said Hood. "We are keeping quality Sailors on board and making a better future for the Navy."

At the end of their enlistment contracts, Sailors are presented with the choice of whether to stay Navy or not. Many factors come into play as they decide their future.

"I have three very important reasons in my life why I reenlisted," said Mineman 2nd Class (SW) Shawn McFall. "The first and most important reason is for the security and provision of my wife and newborn daughter. Second, because of my shipmates who are all like brothers to me. The third reason was definitely the SRB (Selective Reenlistment Bonus)."

Collectively, the five Patriot Sailors who reenlisted last month earned nearly $69,000 in SRB and already have plans for the extra cash.

"This money will help with my future, because I am going to pay off some debt and prepare a wedding with my fiancee," said Information Systems Technician 2nd Class (SW) David Mullard. "This experience - staying in the Navy for another reenlistment - will definitely help decide whether I should make the Navy a career while I work on my bachelor's degree."

Each Sailor expressed thanks for the monetary incentives, the honor to reenlist and the camaraderie shared with the close-knit crew aboard the USS Patriot.

"I am enjoying doing my job for my country and will probably reenlist again when my time comes," said Quartermaster 2nd Class George Deliyanides.

Patriot serves under Task Force 76, as the U.S. 7th Fleet's mine countermeasures arm in forward-deployed operations. The ship is currently deployed in the Southeast Asia region to support 7th Fleet's commitments.

For more news from Commander, Amphibious Force, U.S. 7th Fleet, visit www.news.navy.mil/local/ctf76/.

Source: US Navy - Fleet Public Affairs Center Det. Sasebo, Japan

Technorati Tags: News World David Mullard George Deliyanides Japan Military Navy - Selective Reenlistment Bonus Navy Reenlistment Shawn McFall Steven Hood US Navy - Task Force 76 USS Patriot - MCM 7

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