Chaplain Corps Commemorates Impact of 9/11

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Deputy Chief of Chaplains delivered a reflection on the anniversary of 9/11 to members of the Navy Chaplain Corps attending the Professional Development Training Course Validation conference (PDTC) aboard the Washington Navy Yard, Sept. 11.

Rear Adm. Margaret Kibben focused on the pivotal role chaplains have played, and will continue to play, in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

As forces begin to draw down from Afghanistan, after 11 years of conflict, the Navy Chaplain Corps seeks to remain responsive to the shifting focus of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.

Over the same period, chaplains have provided a ministry of presence through crises such as Hurricanes Katrina and Irene, Operation Unified Response in Haiti, Deep Water Horizon, and Operation Tomodachi in Japan.

In many cases, chaplains have been with those first on the ground, assisting in conducting needs assessments which drive logistical and medical support, facilitate response efforts, and coordinate support between government and non-government agencies.

Over the next year, the Chaplain Corps will focus on honing this capability through their PDTC curriculum, an annual requirement for all Navy chaplains.

Lt. Devon Foster, battalion chaplain for Headquarters and Service Battalion Henderson Hall, reflected on his experience in Haiti during Operation Unified Response noting.

"In times of humanitarian crisis, chaplains, unlike combatants, benefit from a universal passport of acceptance and trust, which plays a critical role in the coordination and delivery of care to those in need."

Chaplains are charged to care for and facilitate the spiritual needs of all people. In this capacity, chaplains often build bridges of understanding between humanitarian service providers and the local population. They also assist the service providers and military responders to cope with the stress associated with such operations.

Capt. Dale White, director of operations for the Chief of Chaplains Office, recalls his pastoral role on 9/11 "to comfort and bring solace to those in deep crisis and despair, providing for their spiritual and basic needs."

Many Navy Chaplains in the National Capital Area were recalled that day to conduct Casualty Assistance Calls to the families of those missing following the attack on the Pentagon.

The Navy chaplains assigned to the Coast Guard also play an important role during humanitarian crises and rescue operations. Working alongside the Federal Emergency Management Agency, chaplains are specially trained to provide key insight to the Incident Command Center. They advise the command on local needs and are later mobilized to provide pastoral care to those affected.

At the close of her remarks, Kibben reminded those in attendance that "9/11 redefined the role of chaplains in the military, as we were sought out to bring a voice to the wilderness. May it serve as a beacon to remind us of this core capability we have to embody a global force for good, demonstrating compassion and love, in times of crisis."

For more information on the Chief of Navy Chaplains office visit: http://www.navy.mil/local/crb/, or http://www.facebook.com/ChiefofNavyChaplains.