After three years of sea duty between USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and USS George Washington (CVN 73), one Sailor reflects on the past while navigating her new shore duty assignment.

Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Tonia Devine worked in G-1, weapons department, as 3M (Maintenance Material Management) leading petty officer and the weapons team leader. In her leadership role, Devine also took care of her Sailors, making sure she was able to help them achieve professional and personal development milestones.

"My favorite part of my job was helping my junior Sailors with their needs and being a role model for them. I tried to be a proactive Sailor with collateral duties and make a better environment. I worked with the command training team and the departmental financial coordinator to set an example for junior Sailors so I could be a better well of knowledge to help those who need it."

With her sea duty days behind her, Devine is figuring out where she fits into the big picture mission of Naval Consolidated Brig Chesapeake.

"The biggest change going from the ship to this shore command is adapting to the totally new routine," said Devine. "Every day I'm learning something new. It's refreshing. I try to learn my chain of command and figure out what qualifications I need to work on. It's all so new to me and everything is a completely different style. I'm sure after a while I'll get into the routine of things, but for right now it's a fun challenge figuring everything out."

Devine's outlook toward her new command and the challenges associated with it have been recognized by her chain of command.

"When AO1 checked in, I knew she was exactly the type of Sailor that I look for, not only to lead the Sailors here, but also to lead the prisoners," said Cmdr. Brandy McNabb, commanding officer of Naval Consolidated Brig Chesapeake. "She has so much knowledge in so many different aspects because of all the programs she was involved in on the ship, which is exactly the type of diversity we need here at this command."

Working in a stressful environment such as a brig can be an emotionally and physically tiring job, but having motivated Sailors dedicated to success ensures an overall healthier workplace.

"Sailors working here are charged with the safety and security of both the Sailors and the prisoners of this facility," said McNabb. "We really need Sailors here with a go-getter attitude, and that is what Devine brings to the table. I'm really excited to get her plugged into our system and get her into a leadership role for my Sailors here at this command."

Devine may feel like a fish out of water at the brig, but her leadership, personality and willingness to help Sailors and prisoners, speaks volumes to her character, integrity and her commitment to the betterment of the Navy.

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