Photo By Sgt. Khalil Ross | Cpl. Michael Richardson inspects a camera in the combat camera studio for promotion...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII - Approximately every six months, the Fleet Assistance Program receives a list of Marines who will help a unit in need around Marine Corps Base Hawaii.
The Fleet Assistance Program is a program that tenant commands use to send Marines to support and help undermanned sections within Headquarters Battalion.
There are many types of jobs that a Marine can be sent to do or even request to be sent to, said Cpl. Jeffrey Spangler, a manpower clerk with Headquarters Company, Headquarters Battalion. Some jobs are with the base motor pool, tax center, range and being a cook in the mess hall.
“Typically, Marines are sent to the program when a victor unit is returning or leaving on a unit deployment program,” Spangler said.
He said the Marines who are sent out have a critical role in keeping the base operating and functioning. About 60 Marines may be called depending on the need of the base.
Every tenant command can send personnel out too, through the Fleet Assistance Program. There is no rank requirement and both enlisted and commissioned personnel can be sent.
Marines don’t have to be randomly selected into the program, Spangler said. Many Marines request to be sent out to other units and may even extend the six-month obligation if their chain of command allows it.
“It’s a great way to get out and see what else is in the Marine Corps,” the Leavenworth, Kan., native said. “A lot of Marines only see a small portion of the Marine Corps but, through the Fleet Assistance Program, they are able to see things outside their normal duties and chain of command.”
Cpl. Nicholas Kemp, originally a reconfigurable, transportable consolidated automated support system technician, is now a studio clerk for Combat Camera. He went from testing and fixing airborne weapons and equipment to taking photographs and said he is happy doing it.
“I like aspects of this (job),” the Largo, Fla., native said. “I do miss my job, but I am happy to help (a unit in need).”
His new position has given Kemp a unique perspective that other Marines in his job field won’t get. He said he has gotten to see a completely different work environment and will be able to bring that back to his unit.
“I suggest people volunteer for the program,” Kemp said. “If you are trying to avoid it, you are wrong. (Marines) should see it as a positive experience.”
To volunteer, speak with your staff noncommissioned officer and they will direct you to the Fleet Assistance Program coordinator in your unit. Marines must complete all training and have no other obligations to be eligible for the program.
| Date Taken: | 07.09.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 07.10.2015 20:52 |
| Story ID: | 169574 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, HI, US |
| Hometown: | LARGO, FL, US |
| Hometown: | LEAVENWORTH, KS, US |
| Web Views: | 130 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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