Surface Force Helps Pregnant Sailors Thrive Through Artemis Program

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Kelby Sanders | NAVAL BASE SAN DIEGO (March 31, 2022) Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Alejandrina Kiel receives training on administrative duties as part of the Artemis program. The Artemis program is designed to provide expecting Sailors access to a multitude of helpful resources and teach them Navy administrative skills, allowing them to balance mission-readiness and their roles as mothers. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kelby Sanders)  

CA, UNITED STATES

04.06.2022

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Stevin Atkins 

Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet

The Navy’s Surface Force launched a program to help pregnant Sailors positively contribute to the Navy as they prepare for childbirth.

The Artemis program, named after the Greek goddess of the hunt and childbirth, welcomes pregnant Sailors from around the fleet and provides resources, mentorship, and professional development.

“Many women have to make difficult choices between their career and their family,” said Yeoman 1st Class Treysean Bradburn, the leading petty officer of the Artemis Program. “The goal of this program is to provide Sailors with the support and skills that will allow them to continue their careers in the Navy.”

The program’s support ranges from professional skills training to counseling services while providing Sailors meaningful duties and time to maintain their physical fitness. Sailors in the program also have access to a strong support network of women Sailors who afford mentorship and guidance throughout their pregnancy journey.

“The program’s leaders are really supportive and knowledgeable with giving us information on the proper resources and making sure we're going to the right appointments,” said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Holly Richardson.

Boatswain’s Mate Seaman Ashanti Cunningham echoed this sentiment.

“Being [in the program] is a huge stress reliever, especially with the Artemis team and the experience and mentorship they provide for Sailors,” said Cunningham.

There’s another added benefit to the Artemis program. The work that Sailors are doing while in the program is impacting their shipmates in the fleet. The program’s participants are assisting Personnel Support Detachment San Diego (PSD) with maintaining records of personnel, military allowances, travel entitlements and deductions for the fleet.

“The support to PSD is providing an opportunity for Artemis Sailors to learn new skills and apply those skills directly to support the fleet in an area critical to the morale and wellbeing of every Sailor,” said Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Phillip Posada, the Artemis program senior enlisted leader. “They are making a meaningful impact on the fleet with their contributions.”

Typically, Sailors remain in the Artemis Program for two years to give them time before and after pregnancy to adjust to their roles as mothers and to prepare them for their return to the fleet.

“With this program, I have a support system while still doing my part for the Navy, and the program allows us to learn and make progress within our career,” said Richardson. “I think it’s important for women because it allows us to be moms while also preparing us to go back to the fleet.”

With a strong support network that the Artemis program provides, Sailors are building resiliency that makes all the difference in their careers and personal lives.

“Being in the Navy while being pregnant is hard,” said Cunningham, “but knowing you have other women beside you makes it easier. The program is very helpful and I encourage other Sailors to learn more about it.”

• Date Taken: 04.06.2022
• Date Posted: 04.06.2022 14:23
• Story ID: 417949
• Location: CA, US