FORT JACKSON, S.C. - A 2017 Rogers High School graduate and Puyallup, Washington, native is currently serving with the U.S. Navy to create more resilient service members and their families through religious ministry around the world.
Religious Program Specialist Seaman Apprentice Whitney Hooker completed Religious Program Specialist (RP) "A" School at the Naval Chaplaincy School and Center (NCSC) March 29.
Graduation from the course is a requirement for RPs before they go on to assignments supporting more than 800 Navy chaplains and more than 100 different faith groups through religious ministry programs characterized by cooperation, tolerance, mutual respect, and respect for diversity, as well as an emphasis on understanding the pluralistic military environment.
"I joined the Navy to better myself and learn responsibility because I want to serve my country and be a good example," said Hooker. "I learned leadership and what it means to be successful. I will face the challenges ahead and stand up for what it right."
The three-week class covers a wide range of religious ministry topics for all aspects of a command religious program including concepts of pastoral care and support, advising on religious matters, accommodating various faith groups, and administrative and financial and accounting duties.
Hooker is heading to First Marine Air Wing, Iwakuni, Japan, and will serve as a staff RP, preparing devotional materials, organizing faith-based events, and maintaining religious records.
"At Naval Chaplaincy School and Center, we are committed to training, developing and inspiring our Navy's chaplains and religious program specialists," said Capt. Steve Moses, the school's commanding officer. "Our graduates leave our courses ethically, intellectually, professionally and physically prepared to deliver religious ministry and meet the needs of sea services personnel and their families throughout the world."
Chaplains and religious program specialists (RP) play a critical role in helping the Department of the Navy achieve and maintain a ready force through the delivery of professional religious ministry and compassionate pastoral care. Chaplains and RPs are embedded within commands operating at sea and ashore to ensure 24/7 availability. They provide a source of comfort and refuge that enables service members and their families to practice and grow in their faith and to face personal and professional challenges.
Naval Chaplaincy School and Center develops and delivers religious ministry training to achieve fleet readiness. For information about the Naval Chaplaincy School and Center, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/