The crew of the Navy's newest amphibious assault ship, USS America (LHA 6), increased by one March 9 when it welcomed aboard the ship's first deployed resiliency counselor (DRC), Elizabeth Moss.

From the ship, Moss will be provide the same services within the same scope of care that clinical counselors provide at Fleet and Family Support Centers (FFSCs).

"DRC is a brand new position being offered on the large-deck ships," said Moss. "You'll be seeing me permanently attached to the ship, whether you're deployed or in port."

The implementation of the DRC program was mandated as part of the new Sexual Assault Response Program initiatives directed in NAVADMIN 181/13. The goal of the program is to provide a continuity of professional counseling services and support to Sailors during their deployment and while they're at their homeport.

Throughout her first few weeks aboard America, Moss' presence and experience has already proven to be helpful to Sailors and Marines.

"When you're underway you can't just go to Fleet and Family," said Moss. "I think that's where the initiative started. Plus, I'm here working directly within your command, so I have a better understanding of some of the stressors that Sailors are dealing with."

The counseling and support services that Moss will provide are preventative in nature, aimed to address life challenges such as adjustment to deployments, separation from friends and family, relationship and family issues, and other challenges that accompany military life. She is also fully trained to provide an extra layer of support to any victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, assuring that there are no gaps in support services, she said.

"I'm licensed as a marriage and family therapist, which means I have a master's degree in clinical psychology," said Moss. "I worked at FFSC, where I was familiarized with many of the programs. I'm coming here from the USS Peleliu (LHA 5) where I did a deployment with them. It was a learning experience to understand what deployment is like and the stresses involved."

Since this service is new, Moss began working with command leadership soon after she checked in to get the word out about the services she offers. Command Master Chief (SW/AW/FMF) Chad Lunsford said he believes this additional resource aboard allows Sailors to get help and continue to focus on the command mission.

"Having a civilian professional counselor with us provides an outlet for those Sailors who think they can't talk to other shipmates," said Lunsford. "If we save one Sailor, because they felt comfortable talking to a civilian vice a military member, then the program is worth its weight in gold."

The DRC is a civilian-licensed counselor who works cooperatively with military and civilian medical, social service, law enforcement, chaplains and legal personnel on behalf of sexual assault victims to provide Sailors with critical support services during deployments. The DRC will also complete sexual assault prevention and response (SAPR) training and maintain certification to perform associated duties as required. FFSC deployed resiliency counselor positions will be initially established on board aircraft carriers and large-deck amphibious assault ships throughout the Navy.

For more news from USS America (LHA 6), visit www.navy.mil/.