Surface Warrior Week 2010 Gets Sailors to Take Command of Careers

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Elena Pence, Naval Surface Forces Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet (SURFPAC) and Naval Base San Diego (NBSD) hosted a Career Sailor Expo during San Diego Surface Warrior Week on board NBSD Sept. 22.

Surface Warrior Week is comprised of a week of career enhancement activities on the San Diego waterfront and includes detailer visits to ships and area shore commands, the Career Sailor Expo and the first-ever Surface Warfare Officer Career Enhancement Seminar.

"It is important to bring career enhancement information directly to Sailors to provide a better understanding of what the Navy is doing and how new programs and resources can affect their careers," said Chief Navy Career Counselor (SW/AW) Jayne Epaloose, of Cruiser Class Squadron and coordinator of the expo event. "I want Sailors to understand the different programs and resources of the Navy, so that they take charge of their own careers."

The Expo included briefs on Navy advancement, Perform-to-Serve (PTS) and changes to off-duty educational programs. Attendees also had the opportunity to speak to career counselors and civilian experts about a broad range of career management topics. Fleet and Family Support Center, Veterans Affairs, college representatives and enlisted detailers staffed informational booths.

"Today, I came for information. I wanted to learn more about the PTS program, the detailing system and college options so that I can spread that information to my command," said Personnel Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Andrea O'Keith, of Personnel Support Detachment West. "I work at a customer service command where I get Sailors that ask me questions on these topics every day. After today, I can give these Sailors an answer, point them in the right direction, and even give them resources to help with their career."

Interior Communications Electrician 2nd Class (SW) Michael Minnis, a divisional career counselor for USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), also attended the briefs in order to pass on information to his fellow Sailors.

"I came with the intentions of just gathering information for other people, but as the event went on, I noticed how much I was learning and what I could use for myself," said Minnis. "I really enjoyed this event, and I liked how it was on base in a central location for the Sailors."