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AT SEA - They may be seen working in libraries and chapels. They provide you a way to keep in contact with your family. You probably won’t see them performing maintenance on too many machines or equipment. They are the religious program specialists (RPs) aboard USS Kearsarge.
“We support all faiths, and we support no faith,” said Religious Program Specialist 2nd Class Timothy Robinson, attached to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard USS Kearsarge (LHD 3). “RPs are the first in line for Sailors and Marines to talk to when they need some extra personal guidance.”
Robinson said chaplains and RPs adhere to a 100 percent confidentiality agreement, because part of their job is to deal with personal difficulties of Sailors and Marines.
Religious Program Specialist 1st Class Jerry Hutchins said that knowing he is making a difference as an RP gives him a sense of pride.
“I think Sailors enjoy having us as an outlet to vent to,” said Hutchins. “They appreciate having somewhere they can go to talk about the concerns
they have and that they have us as a listening ear.”
The RPs on board can be found in the ship’s library, chapel or their office in the port-side passageway near the mess decks, but their jobs remain a mystery.
“The job-scope of our rating is not well publicized,” said Hutchins. “We not only help the chaplains, but we also assist the needs of the crew.”
Hutchins said some of the more common duties of an RP include, Command American Red Cross Officer, Command Deployment Resiliency officer, Navy Marine Corps Relief, Video Teleconference Calls and Emergency Leave Officer.
Of all the hats an RP wears, Hutchins said his favorite is command community relations (COMREL) projects coordinator.
“I get to see service members at their very best as it relates to concern for others while organizing COMRELs,” said Hutchins. “I am often reminded of the compassion our Sailors and Marines possess through their volunteerism.”
Most Navy RPs work either on a ship or at a Navy shore command, but some are attached to a Marine unit. This makes the RP rate a very unique rate in the Navy.
“When we’re out in the field, it’s a different environment,” said Robinson.
According to Robinson, some of the differences between shipboard and field RP duties entail carrying liturgical gear for worship and conducting field ministry.
Field ministry differs from regular worship services in that the RPs go to the troops, rather than the troops coming to them.
Robinson said that often times, troops are more focused on the mission than on themselves, so they will neglect to seek advice from the chaplain if something is on their mind.
“This is why chaplains and RPs make rounds through the troops to make sure everything is good-to-go,” said Robinson.
When out with Marines, RPs do more than check on morale; sometimes their duties are a bit more dangerous.
“RPs attached to Marines are also combative, so we must be prepared for war,” said Robinson. “We position ourselves in an area to protect the chaplain.”
RPs practice the same open-door policy as the chaplains do.
“You pretty much have to be ready 24/7,” said Robinson. “I try to make myself available as often as possible.”
Whether out in the field or on a ship, when you have an RP nearby, you know you have a set of helping hands.
| Date Taken: | 03.05.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 03.10.2016 06:50 |
| Story ID: | 191854 |
| Location: | AT SEA |
| Web Views: | 21 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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