RP Sailors

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Comment by NavyDads Co-Admin, Gary on July 26, 2022 at 11:50am

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUEP1LshC4U

Comment by NavyDads Co-Admin, Gary on January 20, 2017 at 3:32pm

160717-M-SA496-014 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 17, 2016) Religious Program Specialist 1st Class Michael Caldera fires a .50-caliber machine gun at a floating target during a gun shoot qualification aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Somerset (LPD 25). Somerset is conducting an Amphibious Squadron - Marine Expeditionary Unit Integration Training (PMINT) exercise with Amphibious Squadron Five and the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (11th MEU) as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Zachery C. Laning/Released)

Comment by NavyDads Co-Admin, Gary on March 12, 2016 at 12:25pm

Congratulations to RP2 Keshia Powell on earning her Information Dominance Warfare pin. Navy Chief of Chaplains, Rear Admiral Margaret Kibben, is seen here pinning the device on RP2 Powell.

Comment by NavyDads Co-Admin, Gary on June 12, 2015 at 12:14am

Comment by NavyDads Co-Admin, Gary on March 7, 2014 at 12:54pm

Navy's Newest Ministry Team Members Complete Training...

Story Number: NNS140304-16Release Date: 3/4/2014 3:21:00 PM
By Chaplain Lt. Cmdr. Carla Barry, Naval Chaplaincy School and Center, Public Affairs

COLUMBIA, S.C. (NNS) -- The Navy's newest group of Religious Program Specialists (RPs) graduated from the Naval Chaplaincy School and Center (NCSC) at Fort Jackson Mar. 3.

These Sailors provide chaplains with the administrative, technical and logistical support needed to carry out religious programs and services. They are also charged with safeguarding chaplains - who are noncombatants and not authorized to bear arms. Trained as combatants, one of the RP's essential duties is to ensure chaplains are safe wherever they are assigned or deployed.

Religious Program Specialist Seaman Falon Jones, one of the 28 members of the latest RP class, said the training has readied her for the fleet.

"We covered a broad variety of topics that were relevant to the RP rating," said Jones. "For example, we learned in-depth about various faith groups and details about the Religious Offering Fund."

According to the class honor graduate, Religious Program Specialist Seaman Jason Hunt, the training offered an opportunity to learn about the history of the RP rating and provided an understanding of why the rating is important.

"What I learned from our RP history is the various faith groups served by religious ministry teams," said Hunt. "I also learned the duties of an RP and the duties of a chaplain. Because of my training I am better prepared to take my place in the fleet."

Guest speaker for the graduation ceremony was Master Chief Religious Program Specialist Dino Medler, the RP community's senior enlisted leader.

"I'm optimistic that this is only the beginning of a highly successful endeavor for all of you" said Medler. "Your commands are ready for you to arrive. Our fleet Religious Ministry Teams need you."

Medler also explained the importance of RPs having an understanding of what it means to be a Sailor.

"It is true that you are a Religious Program Specialist. But lest you forget, I'll remind you that you are a Sailor first and foremost," added Medler. "So along with your professional responsibilities, you must be about the command participating in Sailor kinds of things. This includes watch standing, quarters, Personnel Qualification Standards, warfare qualifications, and collateral duties. As Sailors you are evaluated by Navy standards and your contribution to the command's mission in addition to your RP duties."

Chaplain Capt. Kyle Fauntleroy, the center's commanding officer, said NCSC is committed to strengthening the nation's future by training, developing and inspiring Religious Program Specialists.

"At NCSC we cultivate the character of our students to be ethically, intellectually, professionally and physically prepared to serve their country and humanity," said Fauntleroy. "Our RPs must be strong in their resolve to build on the long maritime heritage and proud of the accomplishments of the United States Navy."

Comment by NavyDads Co-Admin, Gary on January 17, 2014 at 9:34am

Thanks so much to everyone who came out to honor the legacy of the RP rating, including Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Michael D. Stevens.

Comment by NavyDads Co-Admin, Gary on November 30, 2013 at 11:49am

Your Navy Chaplain Corps, Providing a Ministry of Presence for 238 years...

Comment by NavyDads Co-Admin, Gary on October 28, 2013 at 12:43pm

Gary Sinise you da man!

From Left to Right. RP2 Cole, RPSN Walters, RP2 Traylor, Gary Sinise, and LCDR Kersten by the USNA Chapel.

Comment by NavyDads Co-Admin, Gary on October 8, 2013 at 2:38pm

Navy Chaplains to Receive More Training on Sexual Abuse...

Chaplain Lt. Jose Bautista-Rojas conducts Roman Catholic Mass in the chapel aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis. (U.S. Navy)

Comment by NavyDads Co-Admin, Gary on August 11, 2013 at 11:11pm

Naval Chaplaincy School and Center Graduates Newest Members of Navy's Religious Ministry Team...

Story Number: NNS130809-10Release Date: 8/9/2013 10:15:00 AM
By Chaplain Lt. Cmdr. Carla Barry, Naval Chaplaincy School and Center Public Affairs

COLUMBIA, S.C. (NNS) -- More than 30 Religious Program Specialists (RPs) graduated from the Naval Chaplaincy School and Center (NCSC) at Fort Jackson, Aug. 9.

These specialists provide chaplains with the administrative, technical and logistical support needed to carry out religious programs and services. They are also charged with safeguarding chaplains - who are noncombatants and not authorized to bear arms. Trained as combatants, one of the RP's essential duties is to protect chaplains.

Religious Program Specialist Seaman Margaret Stafford said the training has readied her for the fleet.

"When I get to the fleet I'll be ready to provide religious ministry support to Sailors and Marines, my new command's religious program and to the chaplain," said Stafford.

According to Honor Graduate Religious Program Specialist Seaman Michael Calhoon the training fit his style of learning and was crucial preparing him for the fleet.

"The training was invaluable. I received computer based instruction, instructor lead training, and hands on training," said Calhoon. "The different teaching methods have prepared me for what's to come. My favorite part of the training was how to rig and unrig the religious services. Different faiths and denominations have different ceremonial elements which need to be ready for each religious service."

Guest speaker Master Chief Religious Program Specialist Dino Medler, the RP community's senior enlisted leader, said he was optimistic that the graduates would have success in the Navy.

"Our fleet religious ministry teams need you to always be committed to excellence," he said. "Remember that you bring a specific set of knowledge, skills, and abilities that no other Sailor possesses."

Medler also explained the expectations that he and the RP community had for the graduates.

"Consider the needs of others before your own. Provide empathy and support when needed, engage in clear communication, celebrate diversity and respect what each individual brings to the team," he said. "The quickest way to handicap your new religious ministry team is to function as an individual. I'm asking you to operate within the frame work of a team; to act in cooperation with others to produce a combined result that is greater than the sum of your separate efforts."

Chaplain Capt. Kyle Fauntleroy, the center's commanding officer, said NCSC is committed to strengthening the nation's future by training, developing and inspiring Religious Program Specialists.

"At NCSC we cultivate the character of our students to be ethically, intellectually, professionally and physically prepared to serve their country and humanity, and to uphold the long maritime heritage and proud accomplishments of the United States Navy," he said.