Seabees stationed at Port Hueneme visited the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) June 16 to get a better feel for how being a master-at-arms (MA) on an aircraft carrier actually works.

Vice Adm. William Moran, Chief of Naval Personnel (CNP), announced a new program Jan. 20 that will improve Seabee advancement and retention opportunity while also meeting new requirements for the master-at-arms community.

This program, called Bees to Badges, provides Seabees the opportunity for conversion to MA prior to their Career Waypoints Re-enlistment (C-WAY) window. The tour aboard Ronald Reagan provided these Seabees an up close and personal opportunity to experience what ship life for an MA is all about.

The Seabees who toured the ship included Seabees whose packages had already been accepted, packages were awaiting approval, or Seabees who were just interested in the program at all.

Builder 2nd Class John Montecalvo, attached to Navy Construction Group (NCG) 1, reports to MA "A" school in October of this year and the tour of the ship was the first time he ever stepped foot on an aircraft carrier.

"I think a tour aboard this ship was absolutely beneficial for us Seabees," said Montecalvo. "A requirement for this program is to be stationed on an aircraft carrier, so seeing how these MA's do what they do gave us a better understanding of how things will go once we get out there."

Equipment Operator 2nd Class Stacy Williams, attached to Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit (CBMU) 303, plans on putting in her package as soon as she gets her recommendation letter and is hoping it gets accepted.

"I think the program is an amazing opportunity," said Williams. "It gives good Sailors the chance to stay in the Navy and keep honing our skills. I also think the tour was a phenomenal experience for us all."

Because Seabees have experience in security patrols and small arms they are more closely aligned with the MA mission than other communities.

"It's a seamless transition," said Master Chief Arcolia Raines, leading chief petty officer of Security Department aboard Ronald Reagan. "With their combat skillsets, Seabees are perfect candidates for this program."

Enlisted community managers intend to open this opportunity to all Seabee rates, targeting year groups 2012 and 2003-2008. As the program matures and the community health strengthens, the targets will start to narrow. The target number for fiscal year (FY) 2015 is 30-35 Seabees and for FY 2016 it increases to 90-110.

Any changes to the year groups or other information will be posted on the NPC website at http://www.public.navy.mil/BUPERS-NPC/ENLISTED/COMMUNITY/SEABEES/Pages/default2.aspx .

For more news from the USS Ronald Reagan, visit our Facebook page at www.navy.mil and www.navy.mil/local/cvn76/.