Sailor 360

NORFOLK, VA, UNITED STATES

12.12.2022

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Abbigail Beardsley 

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69)   

Sailor 360 is one of the Navy’s newest leadership training programs being implemented aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and is designed to enrich the professional development of its enlisted force and officer corps.
Modeled after the CPO 365 Phase I program, Sailor 360 is bringing new and important changes to how the Navy develops junior leaders organically through command training.
Sailor 360 gives leaders the flexibility to tailor existing source material to fit their needs. The program allows Sailors of all ranks to speak candidly towards improving their personal and professional cooperation. This allows all to see things from each other’s unique perspective and be more understanding of the decision-making process.
As a new Sailor aboard any vessel, finding a mentor out of a crowd of strangers can be daunting. Sailor 360 introduces volunteer opportunities at places like the Norfolk Botanical Gardens to nurture modest, genuine connections with fellow shipmates outside of the uniform.
“Sailor 360 has helped me to branch out and meet new people throughout the ship,” said Information Systems Technician 2nd class Devon Smith, a volunteer with Sailor 360 at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. “Doing community service, I get to work alongside Sailors from all different ranks and know them on a more personal level.”
During Sailor 360 events, Sailors from E-1 to E-9 have the opportunity to work together.
“Sailors adopt more of a relaxed demeanor when they spend time outside of the ship,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st class Moriah Brockway, a program coordinator for Sailor 360. “You get to see more of someone’s personality when they get out of a work setting. I was the most senior in my volunteer group, and it was fun to get to know Sailors that were just getting started in the Navy.”
This community involvement can do many things for a Sailor professionally and personally because the program also offers an opportunity for mentorship.
“I’ve received great mentorship during the community service and on the ship,” said Smith. “Just seeing and recognizing Sailors on the deck plates has really taught me a lot about comradery on the ship.”
Sailor 360 not only fosters an environment for mentorship, but it helps Sailors find mentors.
“The program helps to build those initial contacts to finding a mentor,” said Brockway. “Community service is a great opportunity to discover a mentor in a more organic way.”
As Sailors become more capable and trained, leadership skills and responsibility are passed down. Every Sailor is the junior person in the room. Eventually, that Sailor will have to take ownership and lead the newest reporting Sailors.
“It has helped me feel like I am becoming a leader that the Navy needs,” said Smith. “I encourage other Sailors to participate and take a break from the normal work day to get to know your shipmates outside of the ship.”

• Date Taken: 12.12.2022
• Date Posted: 03.12.2023 16:02
• Story ID: 438794
• Location: NORFOLK, VA, US
• Hometown: NORFOLK, VA, US