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Carl Vinson Forms First Single Parent Support Group
Story Number: NNS080221-13
2/21/2008

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Candice Villarreal, USS Carl Vinson Public Affairs

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- Single parent Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) formed the command's first single parent support group, which met for the first time Feb. 19 on board the ship.

The group, initiated by Storekeeper 1st Class (SW/AW) Jessica Doucette of the ship's Morale, Welfare, and Recreation division, was formed to serve as a centralized point of information and support for single parents assigned to the command.

"I wanted to start a group to provide valuable information for single parent Sailors that are going through similar challenges that I have gone through," said Doucette. "By doing so, we can keep our Sailors with special needs better informed."

For many single parent crew members assigned to the "Gold Eagle," this new support group focuses on common concerns and challenges that single parents face while serving on sea duty.

"We have a lot of people on board with similar concerns and needs," said Chief Aviation Support Equipment Technician (AW/SW) Boris San Andres, who played a pivotal role in the support group's development. "This is why our crew needs a group like this."

San Andres added that Carl Vinson Sailors routinely utilize services offered from fleet and family support centers throughout Hampton Roads, but this group provides additional support by facilitating more localized support from fellow crew members serving on board.

"Our Sailors share a special camaraderie and kinship, so this support group helps them tackle their challenges together," said San Andres.

According to Doucette, the group embodies a Carl Vinson standard of taking care of people who need it the most.

"This is our crew; these are our people; they are our shipmates," said Doucette. "Being a single parent can be difficult at times. We want our Sailors to know they can rely on their shipmates to help achieve the right balance to be a single parent and serve on sea duty."

For more news from USS Carl Vinson, visit www.news.navy.mil/local/cvn70/.