March, 2016N a v y ’ s B e s t M a g a z i n e o f 2 0 1 4

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ATIAROUND THE ISLAND

6 LIFE HAPPENS

PHOTO OF THE MONTH160301-N-UT455-175PACIFIC OCEAN (March 1, 2016) – Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Johnathan Underwood (center) from Fayatt, Alabama, demonstrates proper use of an inflatable life preserver to USS MAKIN ISLAND (LHD 8) Sailors during an abandon ship drill. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Clark Lane/Released)

Commanding Officer:CAPT Jon P. Rodgers

Executive Officer:CAPT Mark Melson

Command Master Chief: CMDCM(SW/AW) Larry A. Lynch

PAO:LT David Gardner

Deputy PAO:MCC(SW/AW/EXW) Bradley Sapp

Media LCPO:MCC(SW/AW) James Thierry

MEDIA LPO/ LEAD EDITOR: MC1(SW) Corwin Colbert

Layout Editor:MC2 (SW) Robin Peak

Staff:MC1(SW/AW) Larry Carlson

MC1(NAO/AW) Mathew DiendorfMC1(SW/AW) Lawrence Davis

MC3 (SW) Dennis GrubeMC3 Nick Cerilli MCSN Clark LaneMCSN Eric Zeak

AROUND THE ISLAND is an authorized publication for the crewmembers of USS MAKIN ISLAND (LHD 8). Contents herein are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Navy or the Commanding Officer of MAKIN ISLAND. ATI is edited, prepared and provided by the MKI media division. All news releases, photos or information for publication in AROUND THE ISLAND must be submitted to the PAO. All submissions are edited for accuracy, clarity, brevity and conformance to style. The staff reserves the right to edit or reject

any submission.

ATIAROUND THE ISLAND

11 MCPON RETIRES

2

PFA CHANGES

4 RACE FOR AUTISM

WOMEN’S HISTORY

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ATIAROUND THE ISLAND

PHOTO OF THE MONTH

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USS MAKIN ISLAND (LHD 8) Sailors joined the nation in

celebrating women’s history during the month of March.

This year’s theme, “Working to Form a More Perfect Union: Honoring Women in Public Service and Government,” promotes recognition of women’s roles and accomplishments in the armed forces, as well as the achievements and contributions women have made throughout the nation’s history.

MAKIN ISLAND’s First Class Petty Officer Association coordinated the month-long celebration.

“It’s important that we recognize the women who have served in all of the armed services and pay homage to those who have served before us,” said FCPOA President, Yeoman 1st Class Lequisha Shines, from Compton, California.

Throughout the month, large format photographs featuring prominent women of the armed forces decorate the mess decks, and MKI Sailors share the women’s biographies with the crew over the ship’s 1MC each morning.

“It’s great to learn about the women who have served previously, and to celebrate the paths that they have created and the milestones that they have achieved,” said Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class Sheila Olsen, from Glenns Ferry, Idaho.

Women have served in military engagements for centuries, but it wasn’t until 1901, with the establishment of the Army Nurse Corps, that women were officially incorporated as U.S. service members. In 1908, the Navy also established its own Nurse Corps.

Many crew members find inspiration in women’s accomplishments in the military.

“It’s important to recognize the vital role that women’s dreams and achievements play in our lives,” said Intelligence Specialist 1st Class Chanel Newsome, from Los Angeles, California. “We draw strength and inspiration from those who’ve come before us and from the remarkable women serving among us

today.”More than 59,000 female active duty and

more than 9,000 reservists serve in today’s Navy, and in January 2016, the armed services opened all military specialties, including all combat and special forces roles, to women.

“The observance celebrates the strength women have displayed in our armed forces and provides hope and drive for women to accomplish any goal,” said Newsome. “They put an emphasis on positive role models and the importance of women from all backgrounds that make a positive contribution in today’s world.”

Female Officers also attended a mentorship session with Commander, U.S. Third Fleet, Vice Admiral Nora Tyson, Mar. 21, where they discussed women’s career advancement in the Navy, maintaining a healthy work-family balance, and emerging opportunities

for women in all branches of the military.“With VADM Tyson’s 37 years of experience

and several billets in challenging leadership roles, I felt reassured when she focused the discussion on today’s Sailors and their well-being,” said Ens. Kayla Inouye, from Indian Trail, North Carolina.

MAKIN ISLAND’s celebration culminated with a commemoration ceremony in the ship’s hangar bay, Mar. 22, featuring 30-year Navy veteran Master Chief Petty Officer (Retired) Kathleen A. Hansen, as guest speaker.

“It’s important to continue to celebrate the accomplishments of women,” Hanson said. “Encourage each other, and when one woman is successful, we are all successful. So whoever you are and whatever your job is, do that job to the best of your ability and you too will be successful.”

MAKIN ISLANDCelebrates Women’s History Month

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Larry S. Carlson3

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USS MAKIN ISLAND (LHD 8) Sailors volunteered at the National Foundation for Autism Research

(NFAR) 5k run at Balboa Park, Mar. 19. The run supported the NFAR mission of

assisting in the development, expansion and support of autism programs and services that improve the quality of life for children and young adults with autism.

Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Lachana Shelton, from Brooklyn, New York, volunteers regularly with NFAR and organized the MAKIN ISLAND Sailors’ participation at this year’s event.

“I have been volunteering with NFAR since 2012, after my son was diagnosed with autism,” said Shelton. “NFAR events like this

one help inform the public about autism and generate support for programs that aim to improve the lives of those affected by it.”

Personal experiences motivated many of the Sailors who volunteered at the event.

“My son is autistic,” said Ship’s Serviceman 2nd Class Zemario Sheppard, from Sacramento, California. “He was born three months early, and I’m running for him.”

“I enjoy giving back to the community and working with other volunteers,” said Sheppard. “It’s important to actively participate in the

MKI Sailors Volunteer at NFAR 5K RunBy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robin W. Peak

RACE FOR A U T I S M

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community, especially to promote such a worthy cause.”If MAKIN ISLAND Sailors weren’t filling up water and restocking

supplies for thirsty runners, they were dressed up as their favorite superheroes, running alongside other participants.

“It was a tough run, especially with this costume on,” said Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Burton Venaas, from Santa Rosa, California, smiling through his mask. “Just being able to come out here and support

a good cause felt great.”Shelton expressed how much the support of her fellow Sailors meant

to her. “The Sailors that came out to support this event have been awesome,”

said Shelton. “Having just arrived in port yesterday, they came out to support the event on their day off. They’ve truly gone above and beyond what it means to serve.”

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Sacrifice. Everyone who takes the oath of service understands it,

and it means something different to each of us. We each face unique experiences during our service that, in the end, compose the story of our struggles, successes and failures while leaving a lifelong impression on our character.

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For one particular Sailor, the journey is one filled with setbacks, detours, conflict and doubt that would astound even the most seasoned veteran. It’s a story of seemingly insurmountable adversity, surpassed only by an individual’s perseverance and willingness to serve.

Lieutenant Jocelyn Roman enlisted in the Navy in 2000. After graduating high school and dabbling in college, she decided the Navy could help her reach her goals.

“I wanted to become a legalman (LN), but it wasn’t available, so I signed on as an undesignated seaman with hopes that I would later strike into the LN rating.”

Roman was soon headed to Guam for her first tour aboard USS Frank Cable. “I did on-the-job training for LN and started looking towards cross-rating, all while researching about officer programs, which I became very interested in,” she said.

As her tour on Frank Cable drew to a close and she started preparing for her next assignment aboard USS Boxer, Roman’s plans took an unexpected turn. “I was about to become a mother,” she said. Instead of heading to Boxer, she ended up working as a legal clerk at transient personnel unit (TPU) legal.

Because undesignated seamen were not permitted to strike LN, she chose to strike signalman (SM) while at TPU, with the plan to cross-rate to LN later in her career. Roman’s peculiar luck continued when the SM rating was absorbed into the quartermaster (QM) rating. Agitated by yet another change and another step farther from her goal of becoming a legalman, Roman adjusted her life and transferred to Amphibious Construction Battalion One (ACB-1) at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado.

Roman deployed to Iraq with ACB-1 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in summer 2003, but not before submitting a Seaman to Admiral 21 (STA-21) package. She returned home in time for Thanksgiving, but the relief of being back on American soil with her family was short-lived when she received an unexpected phone call on New Year’s Eve.

“We were going back,” she said. Tentatively, the detachment would deploy for three months, but there was no guarantee they would get to come home on time. “This short notice deployment was very nerve-wracking for me being a single parent again.” Roman would soon learn of another fork in her career road.

During deployment, Roman’s Perform-to-Serve results forced her into a new rate, yeoman (YN) full-time support (FTS). “It was the only option given, and because I wanted to serve, I accepted it. I experienced the YN rate when I was at TPU legal, so I knew I could do it,” she stated.

“Prior to taking the FTS YN rating, I had taken the advancement exam for SM2 while transiting home with Boxer. Results came back and I made SM2,” said Roman. “During this time the SM and QM ratings merged, and although I took a signalman test, I was now a QM waiting to become a yeoman. Because of the timing of the merger, my SM test was voided, and I remained a third class petty officer.”

“I remember being very disappointed and angry. I was the only one who didn’t get frocked that time,” she said. “I decided to stop at nothing to become a Naval officer.”

“STA 21 did not happen that year,” she said. “Life happened.” She went to YN “A” school, then to Navy Recruiting Area Pacific, which fell under Navy Recruiting District (NRD) San Diego. “The Recruiting District welcomed me aboard, then said the command was disestablishing!” She bounced between NRD San Diego and NRD Los Angeles for the next year.

She grew increasingly impatient waiting for orders. “One day I told my Chief I would be fine going to Iraq,” Roman said. “Someone must have been listening, because two weeks later I got individual augmentee orders back to Iraq!”

She couldn’t believe her luck and started to doubt her career choice. “Paying back tuition assistance money, or getting discharged from active duty because I could not execute my family care plan, was not an option, so I leaned on my family to care for my child and executed my orders.” Roman said.

Combat YeomanThe IA orders sent her to Camp Victory, near Baghdad, in May, 2006.

YN3 Roman briefly filled in as the unit’s information technician. I did the job to the best of my ability, though the duties were not in line with the YN rating.”

When a personal security spot opened up for Brigadier General Kathleen Gainey, Roman jumped at the opportunity to apply. She was selected and remained on the detail for the duration of her tour.

“I saw a lot of action while I was deployed there,” she reminisced. Roman’s voice softened, her expression solemn, as she struggled

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through the memory of one of the most vivid, life-changing events of her career. “We had to wake each other for reliefs. Sometimes, rounds and mortars would make it into the camp. One day I had to wake up my relief, and

we had been under attack the night before. When I went to open the hooch to wake him up, I realized he and his roommate had been hit while they slept.”

Roman, then 24, struggled to cope with the frequent gun and mortar fire and IED attacks. “The attacks are things you kind of look out for,” she said. “When you really actually see what mortars do to someone, the images affect you beyond explanation.”

Roman eventually rotated back to the States, with orders to SEAL Team 17, the west coast reserve center for SEALs, located at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. She was home all of 2007, except during training cycles, and she was able to achieve her Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration that winter.

In March 2008, Roman deployed back to Iraq supporting SEAL Team 3, as part of a women’s outreach program for civilian women in west Anbar Province and Northern Iraq. She integrated and traveled with the team, meeting and greeting the local female population along the way.

The SEALs trained her to clear obstacles on a .50 caliber mount, and she earned a spot on the actual watch when they realized how good she was. Roman said the experience was surreal. “I had to man the .50 cal a couple of times, which served as proof to the troop commander that I could handle the job.”

Between thoughts of her child at home and the intensity of operations, Roman’s emotions ran high during the deployment. She admitted, “I did some real soul searching during that tour, but like so many times before, I kept pushing on. I tried not to feel, if that makes any sense. You’re with a bunch of SEALs. Crying was the last thing on my mind. I was just trying to do my part and keep everyone safe. I knew that our main goal was to get from point A to point B alive.”

The team returned home late in 2008, just in time for the holidays. Roman was named SEAL Team 3’s Sailor of the Quarter, an uncommon recognition for a Sailor on temporary assigned duty. She also earned her Expeditionary Warfare qualification during the tour. “This achievement proves that the environment you work in doesn’t necessarily have to impede you from reaching your goals,” she said with a smile.

Life Happens (her favorite motto)“In 2009, life happened in a good way.” Roman said. She took the YN1 exam in March, and was selected and frocked that summer. Meanwhile,

she had submitted an Officer Candidate School (OCS) package in the spring and was selected for the Surface Warfare Officer community. She attended OCS in Newport, Rhode Island, where after 12 weeks of “cold, rainy, and very challenging” training, YN1 Roman earned her

commission and became Ensign Roman. Roman spent a little time with her family before heading to USS Green Bay for her first, and an abbreviated, division officer tour. “I became a

mom again with my second child,” she said. She was transferred to Expeditionary Strike Group 3. “The tour at ESG 3 was definitely a learning curve for me as my first tour as an officer. I did what I could to use my time wisely while earning my master’s degree in business administration. I figured why not, I was able to achieve my bachelor’s under much more stress.”

Her following tour aboard USS Wayne E. Meyer in spring 2012 offered another chance to complete her SWO qualification, although she was on a different platform now and had to start the qualification process over. In just over a year onboard, and after completing nearly all of her qualifications, life happened once again.

“I became pregnant with my third child. Yet again another blessing,” she said. “The timing was inconvenient for my surface warfare qualification, but my kids are my inspiration.” She served 18 months as training officer at Assault Craft Unit 5, then transferred to her current command, USS MAKIN ISLAND (LHD 8).

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“The captain was not concerned about time on board as much as my Surface Warfare knowledge. He gave me the opportunity to finish my qualification taking into consideration my background,” she said with a large smile. “It was a huge weight off my back knowing I did not have to start from scratch, and I very much appreciated it.”

In February 2016, during an emotional ceremony in the MAKIN ISLAND wardroom, Commanding Officer Capt. Jon P. Rodgers shared Roman’s story with the crew and officers. Some attending knew about her journey. Most did not, as their expressions unmistakably attested. Even for Roman, hearing her own story retold was not easy. Rodgers carefully affixed the gold pin to Roman’s uniform, tears streaming down her face. “You have shown us all what it means to overcome incredible adversity,” he said. “You are a true inspiration, and you have earned the coveted title of Surface Warfare Officer.”

Roman views her Surface Warfare qualification as a major milestone in her career, but she admits it’s not the end of her journey. “Life happens, and I may decide I want to be a stay-at-home mom after I hit my 20 years of service, but at the same time know that what I’ve done up to this point in my life and my ability to hold strong has been 100 percent for my family and this country.”

Roman said she could see herself staying up to 30 or even 40 years on active duty and believes everything that happened to her along the way made her stronger, both maternally and professionally. “I’m a firm believer that you learn something new every day, and you should never quit unless you are completely sure you have given it your all,” Roman said.

“It’s easy to throw in the towel and say ‘I’m done with this,’ but when you look at the grand scheme of things, the sacrifice is worth it. You serve because you believe your contribution, however slight, will impact the way of life of those around you, and I want my kids to have a better life and be inspired by my achievements.”

Lt. Jocelyn Roman knows what it means to sacrifice, to stare down misfortune and to move past setbacks. She understands what it takes to realize your goals and to make the best of your situation. Her story is one of courage and perseverance. The story of a Surface Warfare Officer’s successful journey we all may want to remember the next time “life happens.”

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WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Mike Stevens sent an email to his Leadership Mess March 16 announcing his decision to retire in September.

“In consultation with the Chief of Naval Operations, Theresa and I have requested and have been granted approval to retire on September 2, 2016,” said Stevens.

MCPON was born and raised in Montana. He graduated from Arlee High School in May 1983 and immediately entered the U.S. Navy attending basic training in San Diego in June 1983.

Stevens attended Aviation Structural Mechanic Apprentice School in Millington, Tennessee, and his first duty assignment was with Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 2 in Rota, Spain.

Stevens was advanced to Master Chief Petty Officer in October 2002. He went on to complete a number of operational and Command Master Chief tours to include U.S. 2nd Fleet and served as the 16th Fleet Master Chief for Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command.

Stevens’ academic achievements include a Bachelor of Science from Excelsior College; Harvard John F. Kennedy School of Government “Leadership in Crisis”; Senior Enlisted Professional Military Education; Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education; and the National Defense University Keystone course. He is an honor graduate and the recipient of the prestigious Peter Tomich Award for exceptional military excellence from the Senior Enlisted Academy.

His personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), Navy Commendation Medal (five awards), Navy Achievement Medal (six awards), the Coast Guard Achievement Medal with operational “O”, Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist Insignia, and Enlisted Naval Aircrew Wings.

Stevens became the 13th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy September 28, 2012. Details for the change of office will be announced at a later date.

The solicitation for the 14th Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy will be sent to eligible active-duty candidates via email from the MCPON. Eligible candidates for consideration will be all Fleet Master Chiefs. Additionally, all Command Master Chiefs with at least 18 months of service (as of September 2, 2016) at the three and four star level will be eligible.

Thirteenth M C P O N Announces Retirement

From the Office of the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Public Affairs

NAVY HEADLINES

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PFA Changes Take EffectBy Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Fulton, CTF 73 Public Aff airs

AROUND THE FLEET

(NNS) -- � e Navy’s overhaul of the Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) took e� ect Jan. 1 and will result in notable changes to Cycle 1 of the 2016 PFA.

� e reevaluation of the previous all-encompassing method to physical � tness resulted in policy changes to the body composition assessment (BCA), the failure-separation policy, and the overall approach the Navy takes with physical � tness.

Navy Shifts Focus to FitnessTh e modifi cations mark a new direction designed to institute a year-round program, assisting those

struggling to maintain fi tness rather than punishing those who fail.“Making a lasting change in your fi tness takes commitment,” said Chief Legalman James Goza, Navy

Region Singapore Command Fitness Leader. “Th ere are no overnight, quick-fi x plans that can deliver sustainable results. You have to transform your lifestyle, stick with the plan, and stay vigilant if you want to maintain positive results.”

Th e BCA alterations shift the focus of the assessment to better evaluate overall health by establishing four new age categories with their own corresponding standards.

“Body styles have changed since the old standards were established,” explained Goza. “People that are fi t and healthy were not meeting the BCA standards. People who were able to exceed

the PRT standards were failing due to their inability to pass the BCA. Th e changes to the system were implemented in order to address these issues.”

Th e BCA will now consist of three opportunities to pass. Th e fi rst chance is the height to weight ratio, which was used in the old BCA calculation system. If a Sailor fails to meet the ratio standards, a new waist-only tape test, with overall maximums of 39 inches for men and 35.5 inches for women, will be conducted.

A test using the previous system of neck and waist measurements used to calculate body fat percentages will be the fi nal opportunity to pass the BCA.

Failing the BCA will result in the Sailor being placed into the Fitness Enhancement Program; however, the individual will still take the PRT and

can pass the overall PFA.“Th ese changes do not result in a loosening of the standards,” said

Goza. “Th e reality is that regardless of how you measure in during the BCA, you will participate in the PRT portion of the PFA under the new system. Your overall fi tness will be measured based on how you actually perform physically.” Under the former PFA system, three failures during a four-year period resulted in a discharge from the Navy. In correlation with

the new BCA standards, two failures during a three-year period will result in a discharge.

Th e changes are intended to reduce the number of Sailors discharged every year for PFA failures. More than 4,000

sailors were discharged from the Navy as a result of PFA performance from 2011 to 2014.

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PFA Changes Take EffectBy Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Fulton, CTF 73 Public Aff airs

AROUND THE FLEET

(NNS) -- � e Navy’s overhaul of the Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) took e� ect Jan. 1 and will result in notable changes to Cycle 1 of the 2016 PFA.

� e reevaluation of the previous all-encompassing method to physical � tness resulted in policy changes to the body composition assessment (BCA), the failure-separation policy, and the overall approach the Navy takes with physical � tness.

Navy Shifts Focus to FitnessTh e modifi cations mark a new direction designed to institute a year-round program, assisting those

struggling to maintain fi tness rather than punishing those who fail.“Making a lasting change in your fi tness takes commitment,” said Chief Legalman James Goza, Navy

Region Singapore Command Fitness Leader. “Th ere are no overnight, quick-fi x plans that can deliver sustainable results. You have to transform your lifestyle, stick with the plan, and stay vigilant if you want to maintain positive results.”

Th e BCA alterations shift the focus of the assessment to better evaluate overall health by establishing four new age categories with their own corresponding standards.

“Body styles have changed since the old standards were established,” explained Goza. “People that are fi t and healthy were not meeting the BCA standards. People who were able to exceed

the PRT standards were failing due to their inability to pass the BCA. Th e changes to the system were implemented in order to address these issues.”

Th e BCA will now consist of three opportunities to pass. Th e fi rst chance is the height to weight ratio, which was used in the old BCA calculation system. If a Sailor fails to meet the ratio standards, a new waist-only tape test, with overall maximums of 39 inches for men and 35.5 inches for women, will be conducted.

A test using the previous system of neck and waist measurements used to calculate body fat percentages will be the fi nal opportunity to pass the BCA.

Failing the BCA will result in the Sailor being placed into the Fitness Enhancement Program; however, the individual will still take the PRT and

can pass the overall PFA.“Th ese changes do not result in a loosening of the standards,” said

Goza. “Th e reality is that regardless of how you measure in during the BCA, you will participate in the PRT portion of the PFA under the new system. Your overall fi tness will be measured based on how you actually perform physically.” Under the former PFA system, three failures during a four-year period resulted in a discharge from the Navy. In correlation with

the new BCA standards, two failures during a three-year period will result in a discharge.

Th e changes are intended to reduce the number of Sailors discharged every year for PFA failures. More than 4,000

sailors were discharged from the Navy as a result of PFA performance from 2011 to 2014.