• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Six DESRON 15 Commands Receive Retention Excellence Awards

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080205-07
Release Date: 2/5/2008 12:54:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kari R. Bergman, Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- Six commands from commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 were awarded the retention excellence award for achieving Navywide goals in retention and attrition rates, Jan. 31.

DESRON 15 staff, as well as the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Lassen (DDG 82), USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62), USS Mustin (DDG 89), USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) and the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Gary (FFG 51), all earned the prestigious award.

Gary, which recently changed its home port to San Diego, received the award for its service under DESRON 15 in fiscal year 2007.

"We were very fortunate this year having five of our ships awarded for retention excellence," said Capt. Mark Montgomery, DESRON 15 commodore.

"By receiving the retention excellence award, [DESRON] 15 commands have proven that even in a challenging area of operations such as Yokosuka, Japan, it is possible to successfully merge a challenging operational commitment and quality of life," said Chief Navy Counselor (SW/AW) Bertha Johnson, assigned to DESRON 15.

"Our chain of command showed us great support allowing the Sailors to develop in their careers and that is what helped contribute to the Lassen receiving the award for retention excellence," said Navy Counselor 1st Class (SW/AW) Milton Styron of Lassen.

According to Johnson, various efforts contribute to high retention in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

"The unique [operational tempo] of the [forward-deployed naval forces] community can be difficult to adjust to but many Sailors, once adjusting, find the Navy truly exhilarating," said Johnson. "There are also other incentives for retaining Sailors, such as great liberty ports, various community relations projects, educational opportunities, and many others."

"As long as the chain of command is engaged and supports their Sailors and shows that they care about them retention will always improve," said Sonar Technician Surface 1st Class (SW) Aaron Castillo of Curtis Wilbur.

"I think Sailors out here have the opportunity to envision their 15 or 20 year career in the Navy, because they get to operate so much and see what their 1st classes and their chiefs and officers do on their ships on a daily basis," said Montgomery. "Sailors get to decide if this is what they want to do be doing for five, 10, or 15 years from now and that frames the issue much easier for the career counselors. They can provide better guidance and we end up having higher retention."

For more news from Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/c7f/.