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USS Patriot (MCM 7)
"Fortune Favors the Brave"
WELCOME ABOARD USS PATRIOT (MCM 7)
Shipmate,
Welcome to USS PATRIOT (MCM 7)-forward-deployed to Sasebo, Japan, and proudly standing watch in the Western Pacific as part of the U.S. 7th Fleet. You're joining a close-knit team with a critical mission and a deep sense of pride in who we are and what we do. Aboard PATRIOT, we take care of each other. This is more than a ship-it's a team grounded in purpose and built on trust. You'll be challenged to grow, expected to lead from where you stand, and empowered with the tools and support you need to succeed. Our culture isn't about just getting the job done-it's about how we do it: with compassion for our shipmates, accountability to our mission, respect for our roles, and a constant pursuit of excellence.
Sea duty is hard. But hard doesn't mean heartless. Whether it's your first tour or your last, know this: you matter here, and your contributions-both personal and professional-will help shape the legacy of this crew and this ship.
If you're newly assigned, please keep your sponsor informed of your travel plans and feel free to reach out with any questions. You're never alone in this process. We're ready to help you hit the deck running.
Points of contact for support include: . Command Senior Enlisted Leader: CMDCS Marcus Jones - marcusj@mcm7.navy.mil . Ombudsman: usspatriot.ombudsman@gmail.com . Sponsorship Coordinator: ITC Rafael Fernandez Merced - fernandezr@mcm7.navy.mil
For additional information, visit our command website at https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/mcm7/ or connect with us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/USSPatriotMCM7.
We are glad you're here. I look forward to welcoming you aboard in person-and seeing what we can accomplish together
Very respectfully, LCDR Dean R. Kirby Commanding Officer USS PATRIOT (MCM 7)
1. What is an Ombudsman? Every Command has an Ombudsman who is a spouse of a sailor at the Command. The Ombudsman serves as the liaison between the command and the families. The Ombudsman is the point of contact for the families. He or she can assist families with navigating through Navy life through resources and information.
2. How can an Ombudsman help me? Navy Family Ombudsmen are key resources for family members, particularly during deployments. Ombudsmen maintain current resource files with information on military and civilian community agencies that can help families solve a variety of problems, and successfully meet the challenges they face before, during, and after deployments. In addition to providing referral information, Ombudsmen can facilitate communication between the Command and family members. Ombudsmen may publish or contribute to command newsletters or maintain care lines, which have recorded messages with information for command families that can be accessed 24 hours a day. Ombudsmen can also assist families in contacting the Command for a variety of reasons.
3. What is the role of the COMNAVSURFPAC Force Ombudsman? The Force Ombudsman provides oversight and guidance for all the Surface Ship's Ombudsmen in the Pacific Fleet Area of Responsibility. You can contact the Surface Forces Ombudsman at (619) 301-6983 or send an email to surfaceombudsman@gmail.com
4. What is an IA assignment or tour? An IA is an Individual Augmentee. A Sailor may receive orders to go IA and this means that he or she will deploy as an Individual, not with their command. Sometimes an IA will deploy and be stationed with another branch of the Military. http://www.ia.navy.mil/
5. What is NFAAS? Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System. This is how the Navy will track your family and assess your needs during an emergency. https://www.navyfamily.navy.mil
6. How can I find out more about medical, dental or Navy family resources? Contact your Command Ombudsman. He or she will guide you to your resources.
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