A class of 18 Religious Program Specialists (RPs) graduated from the Naval Chaplaincy School and Center (NCSC) at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. Oct. 2 and prepared to report to commands around the world.

Honor Graduate Religious Program Specialist Second Class Chase Beasley will join the Religious Ministry Team (RMT) at the Naval Academy. Beasley served as a Navy machinist mate for five years before choosing the RP rate.

"I was the first responder at a motorcycle wreck where a Sailor from my ship died. This was a tough time and the RP on my ship reached out to me," Beasley said. "Later, the chaplains also gave me a lot of support. The RMT made a difference in my life and that is why I choose the RP rate."

Guest speaker, Religious Program Specialist Senior Chief (Ret.) Scott R. Quinn, explained the keys to having a good career by illustrating four vital areas; be ready, have fun, find your passion and always finish strong.

Religious Program Specialist Seamen Mykeel Goodwin, a reservist, will be assigned to the Navy Operational Support Center at Bessemer, Alabama

"A memorable experience was learning how chaplains are officers to be respected, and are also very personable," Goodwin said. "I look forward to serving on an RMT."

Religious Program Specialist Seamen Recruit Ryan Wise chose the Navy so he could see the world and to assist the chaplains in caring for others.

"As an RP, I get to serve as an important member of the command," Wise said. "I get to help Sailors and Marines connect with their faith, and hopefully, find help when they are hurting."

Capt. Mark Smith, a chaplain and NCSC's commanding officer, is proud of the training that the
RP "A" School graduates receive.

"Religious ministry has a long history of going over the horizon in support of the spiritual wholeness of Sailors," Smith said. "These Sailors are ready to join that long maritime heritage and share in the proud accomplishments of the United States Navy."
For more news from the Chaplain Corps, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/crb/.

For information about the Naval Chaplaincy School and Center, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/chaplain/.

For more news from Naval Education and Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/.


For more news from Naval Education and Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/.