Navy Ombudsmen in Groton Honored at Appreciation Dinner Navy personnel honored local-area ombudsmen during an annual appreciation dinner at a country club in Waterford, Conn., Oct. 17. Ombudsmen from attack submarines and shore commands based in Groton were recognized for their service to the Navy during a formal evening at the Great Neck Country Club. Nearly 100 spouses, service members and local commanders attended, including Rear Adm. Ken Perry, commander, Submarine Group 2. During keynote remarks, Perry acknowledged the critical work local ombudsmen do behind the scenes for Sailors and their families. I know that our ombudsmen are providing extraordinary support and it is truly valuable, said Perry. He presented certificates of appreciation to each of the 22 ombudsmen honored, and his wife Alicia passed out gift bags arranged by Fleet and Family Support Center staff. I know personally as a husband, a father and a commander how valuable the ombudsmen were to my wife and the wives of my crew members, said Perry. He previously commanded the ballistic-missile submarine USS Pennsylvania (SSBN 735) and served as commodore for Submarine Development Squadron 12. The evening began with a brief social on the outdoor patio of the clubs dining house. The main course included prime rib, roasted chicken, ravioli, twice-baked potatoes, and an assortment of steamed vegetables. Meals for the honorees were paid for by fellow spouses from their respective commands, and the ombudsmen were seated with command leaders. It was great to be recognized, but it was also a little overwhelming, said Marlaina Malone, the ombudsman for USS New Mexico (SSN 779). I do this to help our families. I dont do it to get praise. The Navy Family Ombudsman Program is Navywide. Former Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Elmo R. Zumwalt established it in 1970 to improve mission readiness through family preparedness. When submarines deploy, ombudsmen serve as vital communication links between command leaders at sea and families back home. Perry touched on this point during his remarks. He said Sailors operate at sea confident that support networks ashore will take care of their families. The ombudsmen are vital to that network, he added. Release Date: 10/18/2013 3:36:00 PM By Lt. Timothy Hawkins, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs WATERFORD, Conn.
Posted on: Thu, 24 Oct 2013 18:46:40 +0000
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