Transferring to a new command can be a stressful experience. Sailors may encounter new people and places, different schedules and expectations. They may even be entering into a completely new lifestyle. To help ease a Sailor's transition to a different command, USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) uses a Sailor-to-Sailor sponsorship program.

"The purpose of the sponsorship program is to make the transition from one duty station to the next smoother," said Chief Navy Counselor Jascha Janssen, command sponsor-program coordinator on board George H.W. Bush. "Whether it's from boot camp, overseas or another ship, a Sailor is going to have some questions that are important to them or their family. Their sponsor is going to have the basic knowledge to get a Sailor set up in their new command, and anticipate things they'll need to know."

Many Sailors transfer to new commands far away from their previous duty station. The sponsorship program provides a point of contact for a Sailor moving to an unfamiliar area.

"It's all about communicating," said Janssen. "They're the ones who know where to meet the Sailor and will introduce them to the new command. They'll take them around the ship and help them get checked in, but the sponsor is also there to answer questions a new Sailor doesn't even know to ask."

It can be hard for someone unacquainted with the layout of a ship or building to find their way around, or know what they need to know. A sponsor eases the transition onto a ship or new workplace by literally guiding the person they sponsor around and showing them the things that are important.

"The sponsor is responsible for big things like making sure the new Sailor gets here safe and gets checked in," said Janssen. "But they're also responsible for showing them where they can eat, where they sleep and where they can exercise. All the things a new Sailor should know."

Every Sailor has common questions and needs that are addressed by their sponsor. But they are also all unique, and may have specific requirements that not every eligible sponsor could easily handle.

"It's very important we pick the right folks to be sponsors," said Janssen. "We try to match an incoming Sailor to a sponsor that has a similar lifestyle. If someone is going to be bringing a family to the ship, then they might need to know about schools and daycare. It wouldn't be helpful to pair them with a bachelor who knows where the best clubs are."

Janssen said the sponsorship program isn't perfect and outside variables can add a host of new problems to tackle. With a well matched sponsor, a Sailor will transition smoothly into their new command.

"I liked my sponsor," said Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Apprentice Alisha Peterson. "She helped me out so much, and did more than just show me around. She made me a timeline for all my qualifications, which really helped me get started."

With the aid of a sponsor, the transition from one command to another is much smoother than without one. Sailors who arrive without a good sponsor have a harder time adjusting to their new command.

"There was some confusion, and I didn't get in contact with my sponsor before I reported," said Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Justine Seybert. "I got here in 2011, right after the deployment, and I didn't really know how to take care of things. Luckily, I was able to stay with my aunt who lives nearby. She was a chief so she knew a little bit of what I would need and how to get on base."

The sponsorship program aims to prevent negative experiences by ensuring someone from the Sailor's command is available to assist in their arrival. Though some Sailors a more difficult time than others, many find the program to be very helpful.

"My sponsor did a lot for me," said Peterson. "When I got to the ship, it was just about to pull in to Dubai for a port call. My sponsor added me to her liberty group. I thought all she had to do was get me checked in, but she did a lot more than that."

The sponsor is not required to go above and beyond. Even a little bit of effort is all it takes to help out a Sailor who is transferring to a new command.

"My sponsor emailed me about two weeks before I was supposed to arrive," said Seaman China Scott. "He was like, 'Hey, I'm your sponsor.' He told me everything he thought I would need to know and answered all the questions I had. He didn't have to do a lot to help me before I got here."

Janssen said the program works best when all parties are actively communicating before and after the new Sailor's arrival. Making first contact and keeping in touch with the sponsor is the new Sailor's responsibility, but the sponsor still has to ensure the rest of their department is aware of the new Sailor's requirements.

"If you are called upon to be a sponsor, make sure you keep your chain-of-command in the loop," said Janssen. "It's your duty, but it's still a team effort. Unplanned things may happen, but if more than one person in the command knows someone is about to come on board, then more people can help if something comes up, or if the sponsor isn't available. Take it seriously, and take care of your shipmates."

Janssen said proper planning is the foundation of the command's sponsorship program. Setting things up ahead of time and getting a good sponsor are the first steps down the right path toward a successful career in the Navy.


For more news from USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), visit www.navy.mil/.