Wackerman visits NOSC Indianapolis Sailors

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Jarrod Schwartz | 170520-N-QP351-087 INDIANAPOLIS (May 20, 2017) Rear Admiral Linda Wackerman, Deputy Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command, 4th Fleet, congratulates Culinary Spacialist 1st Class Thomas Spees, from Navy Operational Support Center Indianapolis, for over 38 years of service during an Admirals Call. Wackerman who also serves as the flag mentor for NOSC Indianapolis, held an all-hands Q&A session for E-6 and below Sailors to address upcoming changes and get feedback regarding Navy-related issues they feel need to be improved. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/EXW/AW/SC) J. Michael Schwartz)  

INDIANAPOLIS, IN, UNITED STATES

05.20.2017

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class John Suits 

NR NPASE Midwest

Wackerman, who also serves as the flag mentor for NOSC Indianapolis, held an all-hands Q&A session for E-6 and below Sailors to address upcoming changes and get feedback regarding Navy-related issues they feel need to be improved.
“I got a lot of great information today,” Wackerman said. “It’s just a great opportunity to do some mentoring with the command as well as getting feedback I can take to our leadership in the Reserves.”
As a mother of three and an international pilot for American Airlines, Wackerman recognizes the frustration of balancing a civilian life with a Reserve commitment.
“I understand where they’re coming from,” Wackerman said. “It’s a three-legged stool. People think when you’re a flag that you have an aide. I get to do everything they’re doing with a crazy schedule.”
Sailors were given a sense of relief in knowing Wackerman lent an ear about certain issues they had.
“I’m more comfortable having her here,” said Cryptologic Technician (Technical) 1st Class (SW) Joseph Maggard, assigned to Operational Support Unit (OSU) at NOSC Indianapolis. “I appreciate the time she took from her schedule to visit and hear what we had to say.”
Wackerman’s visit also gave Sailors a better perspective of the mission they’re tasked with carrying out.
“It shows good leadership,” said Electronics Technician 2nd Class Koren Foster, assigned to NOSC Indianapolis OSU. “I hope our issues are considered in the future so we can operate better as a Navy.”
Wackerman’s previous assignments as deputy commanders for the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations Assessment Division (N81) and the Navy Inspector General in Washington, D.C. gives her greater appreciation for her current assignment at 4th Fleet and helps her get back into the Navy “swing of things”.
“We in the military want to be great at everything,” Wackerman stated. “But each one of you has a specific skillset. Make it your own so we can become a better Navy.”
As Wackerman ends her tour in Indianapolis, she thanks the Sailors for what they do and their families who support them.
“Go out and make a difference,” she said. “At the end of the day, you get it done. You’re the backbone within your units, active component and the NOSC.”

• Date Taken: 05.20.2017
• Date Posted: 05.21.2017 15:42
• Story ID: 234633
• Location: INDIANAPOLIS, IN, US
• Hometown: INDIANAPOLIS, IN, US