Senior Chief Electrician's Mate Jerry Gonzales, mentorship program manager and maintenance and material management coordinator (3MC) aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gonzalez (DDG 66), is changing mentorship while Gonzalez undergoes modernization and repairs in the shipyard.

"The goal is to clear the smoke that surrounds Sailors during this time period and give them the resources they need to further their careers, both on a personal and professional level," said Gonzales.

He is taking a proactive approach in mentoring the crew and utilizing resources at all levels.

Gonzales has enlisted the help of Cmdr. Les Sobol, Gonzalez's commanding officer, and Cmdr. Jean Sullivan, Gonzalez's executive officer, to promote communication and enhance understanding by meeting with one Sailor each week. These meetings are held on the mess decks to ensure program transparency and to give everyone aboard a clear look at what is occurring.

"I want to make sure everyone on board knows what we are doing here," said Sobol, "and that we are all committed to positive communications up and down the chain of command which starts with me."

The mentorship program is designed so three Sailors each week sit down with Sobol, Sullivan, and Gonzales.

"It may be as simple as guiding them to the right person to talk with about the programs they want to pursue," said Gonzales, "or it may be as complex as setting up a budget or making a plan for the future."

It is also meant to provide Sailors the opportunity to meet with these leaders for an individualized, open forum to discuss issues such as reenlistment, financial programs and concerns, reasons for retention, advancement opportunities, or any other personal concerns.

"It is my aim to do more listening than talking," said Sobol. "By investing more time in individual Sailors now, I hope to set Sailors up for success and prevent future disciplinary issues."

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