Staff of Recruit Training Command had the opportunity to bring their families on board for a base tour during the biannual Tiger Cruise Oct. 22.

The Tiger Cruise is a longstanding Navy tradition for families to get a glimpse into what their loved one is doing at work, and to have a better understanding of why they sacrifice so much to support service members.

"This really is about family, and for a command this size the extended family is absolutely critical to what we do," said Capt. Mike Garrick, commanding officer, RTC. "I often say that this tour, although is technically shore duty, is probably at least as difficult -- if not more difficult -- than sea duty. I thank you for the support you show your Sailors each and every day, and perhaps ask your forgiveness for the missed events, late nights, and all that goes along with this very important mission. I hope you get a chance to see a little bit of what your Sailor does in fulfilling RTC's mission."

The families were treated to a morning of many hands-on activities in various training spaces. They had the opportunity to participate in some of the same evolutions recruits must pass before graduating from boot camp.

Petty Officer 1st Class Derek Webb, a recruit division commander, accompanied his wife, Audrey, and daughter, Arianna, as they toured Freedom Hall where recruits complete physical fitness assessments.

"This was very important that I brought my family here today, because a lot of times we don't get to see them much as RDCs," said Webb. "This event helps make the connection for us to say, for example, 'I'm going to Freedom Hall today.' So now they can actually understand what we're talking about, rather than talking gibberish. For the kids, they don't understand anything at all, so for them to get to come out to the job just like we do on the ships is really helpful and I'm thankful for this Tiger Cruise."

Chief Petty Officer Kevin Cragin, a RDC, gave continued encouragement to his young son and daughter as they ran a lap around the track while holding hands.

"It's important for my family to see firsthand what happens here and how the recruits are trained, because it helps them to understand partially why I'm gone so much as well; but it's fun for them to see what the recruits experience since I talk about them so much," said Cragin.

Amanda Thomas-Paul, one of RTC's ombudsmen, was on hand at the event to let families know the assistance she provides.

An ombudsman is an official representative of the commanding officer and plays a vital role in establishing and maintaining current and accurate communication between the command and its family members.

"We provide information, resources, referrals, and support to our families here at RTC, and essentially we are on-call for our families," said Thomas-Paul. "They can call us whenever they need some help and support, and we will guide them in the right direction. Whether when they first get here or have been established here for a while or they're a new spouse, a veteran spouse, we're the go-to source. When you don't know where else to go, you can contact us and we'll hopefully put you in the right direction."

After the tour, lunch was served inside Midway Ceremonial Drill Hall where the families joined together for a meal and relaxation.

"I'm really proud of our role here; I wanted to help families because I love and support military families," said Thomas-Paul. "I'm from a military family, I've been a veteran spouse and this is just my life, so I wanted to jump on and take on this role and support our families."

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