Approximately 200 female Yokosuka Sailors recently had the opportunity to network, learn and empower each other at a symposium held at U.S. Fleet Activities Yokosuka’s Chapel of Hope, March 13.

The symposium, Women Trailblazing at Sea, featured topics ranging from women’s U.S. Naval history to career success tips from female Navy leaders, discussion groups and mentoring opportunities.

“The number one key message here is that you are not alone,” said Cmdr. Jennifer Bowden, one of the event coordinators, as well as the command chaplain for USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and Commander Task Force (CTF) 70. “The second [key message] for me, is that your potential is untapped. You determine your own course and we are here to help you branch out with your thinking and dreaming.”

Women Trailblazing at Sea was organized by the Reagan’s Nancy's Real Talk No Rank Women’s Group and the ship’s Diversity Committee. In its first year, the symposium’s mission is to showcase women’s history, educate and encourage Sailors to excel in leadership and in their Navy career. Both waterfront and installation Sailors were invited to attend the event.

Seaman Jacqueline Aurelius, who works on the Reagan, said she was drawn to the symposium because of the number of female leaders at the event.

“It’s crazy that you could meet a woman commanding officer,” Aurelius said, referring to Cmdr. Janice Smith, who was the commanding officer of the USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) before reporting to CTF 70 in late 2017 as the assistant deputy chief of staff for future plans, operations and exercises. Aurelius, the newest Sailor to the Navy at the symposium, and Smith, whose Navy career has spanned nearly 30 years, also ceremoniously cut the official cake together at the conclusion of the event.

The symposium also offered other Sailors an opportunity to provide advice on how to enhance careers or balance work and family life.

Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Mylene Abrajano of Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Yokosuka shared her personal path to Sailor of the Quarter and Navy Fuels Petty Officer of the Year. While she has taken jobs not often associated with machinist’s mates during her Navy career, she said the key to her success was going above and beyond regardless of the position. “You may succeed as long as you do your job and have the support of everyone,” Abrajano said.

Lt. Cmdr. Laura Fluke, staff general surgeon at Naval Hospital Yokosuka, admitted during her panel discussion that balancing work and family is a challenge. However, focusing on quality of time with her family versus quantity of time has proven to be a real life saver, so to speak.

“I am really present when I’m with them,” Fluke said, referring to her husband and daughter. “So while I may not have the quantity of time that I would desire to be with them, the quality is exceptional. I really try to leave work at work and be home at home as much as possible.”

Information Systems Technician Senior Chief Aquinor Hollingsworth of the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), who participated in the panel discussion with Fluke, said she appreciates the opportunity to give back to a community that’s been good to her.

“I’ve been inspired by so many amazing female leaders from the enlisted side and the officer community, and I always feel compelled to give back and be a part of any event where women are going to empower women,” Hollingsworth said. “Sometimes, not all the time, our voices are stifled – not because someone wants to silence us, but because they don’t always understand us. So it’s always great to have leaders that can pour into you from a perspective that you can relate to.”

Being a Sailor isn’t always easy, but Smith hopes attendees keep on track or even blaze trails. 

“The reality is that it’s going to be tough, but it’s a job worth doing and an effort worth undertaking because it’s the only way women that come behind us will have an opportunity to excel,” said Smith. “It’s the only way that we sustain what has been accomplished in the past.”

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