FORT JACKSON, S.C. – A 2014 West Ranch High School graduate and Stevenson Ranch, California, 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 Daniel Triana 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 learned that all people deserve a chance to practice
their faith,” said Triana. “I will do my best to support the religious needs of
all service members.”
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.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted an extraordinary life,
and I want to have great stories to tell and pass on,” said Triana, who is
heading to Second Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and will serve
as a battalion 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/centers/chaplain/.