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Nothing could have prepared Mike for life on a carrier. While waiting to go on their honeymoon Iraq invaded Kuwait and Mike had to leave for the USS Independence immediately in the Persian Golf. He would not return for 5 months. It was not the way most would want to start their marriage. When he arrived on the ship he was assigned to the engineering department where he was responsible for one main machinery room (2-1200psi boilers, 1 main engine steam turbine, and all auxiliary associated equipment, and 50 personnel). Officers have a billet (job) which Mike’s was the division officer of the main machinery room and a watch (post). Mike stood watch on the bridge, responsible for the navigation of the ship during a 4 hour period. There is a progression of watchstations as one obtains qualifications. At a minimum three officers stand watch on the bridge of an aircraft carrier: the Conning Officer who gives the commands to steer the ship, the Junior Officer of the Deck who handles all communications within and outside the ship, and the Officer of the Deck who is ultimately responsible. He is the person in charge of the ship in the Captain’s absence on the bridge. The general public cannot fathom the amount of responsibility entrusted to our young military personnel (officer and enlisted). Due to the intense political and military situation the ship was always in the highest state of readiness conducting flight operation around the clock. It is said that there is no greater hazardous working environment than the flight deck of an aircraft carrier. Emergency drills were held almost daily in some capacity whether they related to engineering, flight operations, chemical/biological attacks etc… It was during this five month period that Mike learned and experienced the traits of leadership, work ethic, time management, attention to detail, and the use of checklists. The ship arrived safely back in San Diego two days before Christmas. Six months later the ship was changing home port to Yokosuka, Japan to replace the ever aging USS Midway. The cultural experience that Mike and LeeAnn were privileged to have had will live with them forever. They lived among the Japanese population for one year and moved on to base the following year. Mike was very fortunate during his first deployment to have both a Captain and Main Propulsion Assistant that mentored him well. During his time on the ship in Japan Mike worked directly for the Chief Engineer who took to mentoring Mike in many areas but none more importantly than in the area of continual process improvement. During his three year tenure on the Independence Mike qualified as Officer of the Deck and Engineering Officer of the Watch, earned the designation of Surface Warfare Officer, won the United States Pacific Fleet Junior Officer Shiphandler of the Year and was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal.
Mike’s experience at the Surface Warfare Officers School in Newport, Rhode Island teaching newly commissioned naval officers proved to be an excellent opportunity. He was able to improve his communication skills through formal instructor training and many hours of teaching. Counseling and tutoring students also helped improve his own mentoring skills. Mike also gained invaluable experience in computer software programs. Achieved designation of Master Training Specialist Awarded Navy Commendation Medal |
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