Social distancing measures due to COVID-19 have challenged the traditional ways Navy commands can welcome their newly reporting Sailors.  A mandatory Restriction of Movement policy requires Sailors transferring to new commands from outside of the local geographic area to remain isolated for 14 days before physically joining their new command.  First impressions must now be made from a distance.  

A group of Sailors aboard USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) have taken this challenge to heart by starting the Kearsarge Cares program.  The program is run by a handful of Sailors who deliver care packages weekly to newly assigned Kearsarge Sailors undergoing the mandatory quarantine period. 

“We are facilitating and creating care packages that are going to be gifted to the Sailors currently being quarantined due to the current Covid-19 precautions put in place by the Navy,” said Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Tony McNeal.  “We want to show them who we are as a team and let them know that Kearsarge cares about its Sailors.”

As the Command Master Chief of Kearsarge Donavon Gray understands the importance of establishing a positive foundation from which newly reporting Sailors can develop.  Gray said he sees the Kearsarge Cares program as a great deck plate solution.  

“We bring them hot meals three times a day,” said Gray.  “On Fridays we bring them something a little more special, a care package filled with snacks donated to the Kearsarge Cares program by the entire crew.”

Most Sailors coming to Kearsarge are experienced professionals coming from other commands.  For others though, the Kearsarge is their first experience in the fleet and outside of a training environment.  For these first tour Sailors, the ability to be a part of the Kearsarge family while going through this unexpected period of uncertainty is invaluable.

“I was quarantined both in boot camp and “A” school, and now again before I get to the Kearsarge,” said Seaman Santiago Mateo-Christi.  “But I understand that we are trying to keep this situation under control. We all need to take care of the ship and our shipmates, and that is why we are taking these precautions.”

Mateo-Christi said that not being able to report to the command or go back home due to travel restrictions has been difficult, but the daily deliveries of food and the care packages she gets every Friday has helped her though this time.

“It has been very nice being able to see and meet Sailors from the Kearsarge even though I must remain here for the time being,” said Mateo-Christi.  “Everyone has been great, and a wonderful team to be a part of.  I can’t wait to get to the command, meet the rest of my shipmates, help where I am needed, and do some good.”

Gray said that a Sailor’s first 72 hours at a new command are the most critical and can set the tone for the duration of that Sailor’s tour. 

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression,” says gray. “It’s important to visit these Sailors, keep lines of communication open, and ensure all their needs are met and as comfortable as possible during this time as Kearsarge and the Navy do their part to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

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