MAYPORT, Fla. – Chantel Williams, a native of Monroe, Connecticut, is highlighted as Littoral Combat Ship Squadron Two and Surface Division Two One’s Ombudsman.
As an ombudsman, Williams is the appointed facilitator between command leadership and command families. Ombudsman are responsible for maintaining current contact information of command personnel and ensuring that information and open communication between the command and families is always available. They also provide resources and support to family members before the issues are brought to the command. The commanding officer and the ombudsman work directly together to ensure harmony throughout the command and its families.
“We have been truly blessed to have Chantel as our ombudsman for the LCSRON 2 family for nearly two years now," said Commander, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron Two, Capt. Shawn Johnston. "She is a vital part of helping us provide information and updates to our Navy families, especially in challenging times as we have seen with recent hurricanes affecting the greater Jacksonville area. Mrs. Williams’ energy and drive are impressive to watch. She works side by side with my Command Master Chief to boost morale and resiliency for our LCS family.”
Some other duties Williams has include maintaining an active social media so families can be well informed, familiarizing herself with services provided by the Fleet and Family Support Centers (FFSC), coordinating services for families during mobilization or deployments, and welcoming arriving families and offering their assistance.
"Ombudsman Basic Training (OBT) is required of all ombudsmen appointees,” said Williams. “It provides information and resources needed for ombudsmen to execute their duties as a command ombudsmen, and provides ombudsmen to continue to hone their skills by attending advanced trainings on individual subject matters and newer resources.
The Navy Family Ombudsman Program was established in 1970 to further develop healthy, self-reliant families who use this resource to support their loved ones through transparency.
"LCSRON 2 is a uniquely dynamic command which has allowed me not only to be source of information, resources, and support for families and sailors at a shore command but also pre-commissioning units," said Williams. "It's extremely gratifying to be able to make an impact on such a scale."
Ombudsman continue advanced training on various topics such as deployment readiness, disaster assistance, and understanding legal concerns annually.
"Ombudsman are a truly valuable asset to commands and military families," said Commander, Surface Division Two One, Capt. Cory Applebee. "Mrs. Williams plays a huge role in our Navy's family support effort. Family readiness equals warfighting readiness, without strong, capable families, our Sailors cannot be prepared to do what they must to defend our nation and further our mission. Her value is significant to the success of our command."
LCS is a highly maneuverable, lethal and adaptable ship designed to support focused mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare, and surface warfare missions. LCS integrates new technology and capability to affordably support current and future mission capability from deep water to the littorals.
Williams' husband, Chief Petty Officer Fire Controlman Robert Williams, is currently serving with Surface Division Two One’s training department.
“We have been truly blessed to have Chantel as our ombudsman for the LCSRON 2 family for nearly two years now," said Commander, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron Two, Capt. Shawn Johnston. "She is a vital part of helping us provide information and updates to our Navy families, especially in challenging times as we have seen with recent hurricanes affecting the greater Jacksonville area. Mrs. Williams’ energy and drive are impressive to watch. She works side by side with my Command Master Chief to boost morale and resiliency for our LCS family.”
Some other duties Williams has include maintaining an active social media so families can be well informed, familiarizing herself with services provided by the Fleet and Family Support Centers (FFSC), coordinating services for families during mobilization or deployments, and welcoming arriving families and offering their assistance.
"Ombudsman Basic Training (OBT) is required of all ombudsmen appointees,” said Williams. “It provides information and resources needed for ombudsmen to execute their duties as a command ombudsmen, and provides ombudsmen to continue to hone their skills by attending advanced trainings on individual subject matters and newer resources.
The Navy Family Ombudsman Program was established in 1970 to further develop healthy, self-reliant families who use this resource to support their loved ones through transparency.
"LCSRON 2 is a uniquely dynamic command which has allowed me not only to be source of information, resources, and support for families and sailors at a shore command but also pre-commissioning units," said Williams. "It's extremely gratifying to be able to make an impact on such a scale."
Ombudsman continue advanced training on various topics such as deployment readiness, disaster assistance, and understanding legal concerns annually.
"Ombudsman are a truly valuable asset to commands and military families," said Commander, Surface Division Two One, Capt. Cory Applebee. "Mrs. Williams plays a huge role in our Navy's family support effort. Family readiness equals warfighting readiness, without strong, capable families, our Sailors cannot be prepared to do what they must to defend our nation and further our mission. Her value is significant to the success of our command."
LCS is a highly maneuverable, lethal and adaptable ship designed to support focused mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare, and surface warfare missions. LCS integrates new technology and capability to affordably support current and future mission capability from deep water to the littorals.
Williams' husband, Chief Petty Officer Fire Controlman Robert Williams, is currently serving with Surface Division Two One’s training department.