MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The Chaplain of the Marine Corps, Rear Adm. Alan T. Baker, paid a visit to the chaplains and religious program specialists stationed here Tuesday.
Baker, native of Santa Ana, Calif., was greeted on the flight line by several chaplains and the Station Commanding Officer, Col. Michael A. O’Halloran, and Sergeant Major, Sgt. Maj. Randolf L. Mitchell, before making his way to the Marine Memorial Chapel.
During his visit, Baker briefed the chaplains and religious program specialists on new changes in their ways of operation.
“He explained to us the validation of chaplains’ mission throughout the Navy,” said Lt. Cmdr. Brent D. Johnson, Marine Aircraft Group 12 chaplain and native of Portland, Ore. “Our job is to provide ministry, facilitate ministry, care for all and assist command morale issues.”
Baker also informed the religious program specialists of changes within their job fields.
“The biggest thing he mentioned was the marriage of the chaplain schools on one station,” said Seaman Anardo S. Crossman, Station religious program specialist and native of Kingston, Jamaica.
Under the merger, chaplains and religious program specialists from different services would train together at U.S. Army Training Center Fort Jackson, S.C.
“He encouraged the (religious program specialists) to re-enlist because they are the foundation to the new changes,” said Johnson. “They are the ones who will probably make it happen and build on this foundation. (The Navy) needs the retention of quality people.”
Before departing, Baker took a tour of the base, the Kintai Bridge and attended a luncheon at the R.G. Robinson Mess Hall.
His visit left the sailors with not only more knowledge of their job, but also for some a glimpse into the future of their careers.
“He didn’t just thank the (chaplains and religious program specialists) of our work, but also asked good questions as far as our operations are concerned,” said Chief Petty Officer Sollis L. Davidson, Station leading chief petty officer and native of Birmingham, Ala. “I think he did a good job of keeping the chaplains and (religious program specialists) informed of the changes going on in the strategic plans of the chaplain corps.”