Under the Navy's Career Information Program OPNAV 1040.1D, USS Independence (CV 62) receives an annual assessment of her career information programs to judge how well they are working, and if they are working.
Independence recently hosted NCCM (SW/AW) Mark Price, COMNAVAIRPAC Force Career Program Manager, to observe and critique her programs that he likes to call, "people programs."
"I'm looking for improvements," Price said, "Things that I can take to other ships that (Indy) is doing well and share the information with them as well as using a guideline inside of the 1040 aboard Independence to test and see if the programs are actually working here. And then again, sit back and make some suggestions to the ship on how they can improve programs onboard Independence."
Price met with the chain of command from the commanding officer down to the Sailors on the deckplates in his three day visit to Independence. He looked over programs such as the Sailor and Petty Officer of the Month, the Warfare programs, the Sponsor program, the Dependent Care program, Enlisted to Officer programs, Independence Indoctrination program, advancement statistics, Morale, Welfare, and Recreation programs and more. He said he liked what he saw.
"The biggest thing I've seen with the Indy Sailors is the high morale," Price said. "Even though they are going through this period of time where everything feels pretty chaotic with the future cross decking and decommissioning of Independence in '98, and they live in a hi-ops tempo environment, the morale is up."
Price continued saying Independence has a wealth of programs that are doing well, but as with all ships and all programs, there is always room for improvements.
"Some of the enlisted to officer programs have lower participation numbers than they should for a carrier," he said. "But, these programs are volunteer, and maybe it's just a matter of bringing more awareness to the Sailors that they exist and the benefits they bring with them."
After his assessment with the numerous "people programs" aboard Independence, Price met with Independence's Commanding Officer, Capt. Mark R. Milliken, to review with him the areas that need attention, and the areas that are "shining solid."
"The Sailors aboard the Independence for the most part seem pretty pleased with what's going on," Price said. "Sometimes they are very tired because the tempo aboard a forward deployed aircraft carrier, is unlike any other carrier and to have the morale as high as it is here is pretty remarkable," he continued, "I think that result comes from Sailors taking care of Sailors."
CAPTION - Master Chief Price discusses some of the many issues important to Indy Sailors.