Navy husband and wife global re-enlistment

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Aaron Evans | Husband and wife team, Petty Officer 2nd Class Damien Baisden, 22nd Naval Construction Regiment, Task Force Stethem, and Petty Officer 3rd Class Tatiana Coles, Patrol Squadron 16 (VP-16) re-enlisted together May 1, 2012. Capt. Kathryn Donovan, commodore, 22nd Naval Construction Regiment, Task Force Stethem, administered the oath of enlistment to both husband and wife on two separate continents simultaneously 3,900 miles apart. The 22nd Naval Construction Regiment, Task Force Stethem, is currently deployed to Afghanistan executing general engineering, infrastructure construction and project management in support of joint force coalition missions.  

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AFGHANISTAN

05.01.2012

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Aaron Evans 

22nd Naval Construction Regiment

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Despite already having served a combined service of 12 years to their country, husband and wife team, Petty Officer 2nd Class Baisden and Petty Officer 3rd Class Coles re-enlisted together May 1, 2012.

Damien Baisden of Colombus, Ohio, a personnel specialist for 22nd Naval Construction, Task Force Stethem, and his wife, Tatiana Coles of Winston-Salem, N.C., an aviation ordnanceman with Patrol Squadron 16 (VP-16), commence re-enlistment 3,900 miles apart. The miles apart add to the definition of their selfless service and dedication. Personnel specialist 2nd Class Baisden, aboard Kandahar, Airfield mirrors his wife Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Coles aboard Kadena Airbase, Okinawa, Japan, with their hands raised during their oath of re-enlistment.

Re-enlistments happen every day but every once in a while, a unique one comes along. You’ve heard the story of sailors re-enlisting while skydiving and while scuba diving off the coast of an exotic island but this one made a place in history. Connected via a VTC (video teleconference), Capt. Kathryn Donovan, commodore, 22nd Naval Construction Regiment, Task Force Stethem, administered the oath of enlistment to both husband and wife on two separate continents simultaneously. The service members mirror themselves with six years Navy service and dedication to six more years of service.

Looking toward the future, the sailors anticipate staying Navy until they either hit their 20 year mark or maybe even longer.

"I see what she wants to do," Baisden grinned. "This re-enlistment will was a milestone for us. I told her I will do whatever she wants," Baisden said. "I really wouldn't mind staying in just to keep a steady paycheck. And I love her so much."

"Here are two sailors who are willing to stick it out together," said Donovan. "As we all know, being in the Navy today can be challenging, and in some cases stressful on families. The fact that this family, both highly respected petty officers, decided to each give six more years to their country is a great testimony not only to their patriotism, but also to the entire Navy. Today you made history."

• Date Taken: 05.01.2012
• Date Posted: 05.09.2012 02:05
• Story ID: 88131
• Location: KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AF