2004 Effingham County High School graduate and Rincon native is serving in the U.S. Navy as part of a team supporting one of the country’s most versatile combat ships.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Marc Mooney is a yeoman and a member of LCS Squadron One, which supports both variants of littoral combat ships based in San Diego.
A Navy yeoman is responsible for all administration aspects for the squadron. They handle instructions, notices, evaluations of personnel, correspondence, as well as the miscellaneous customer service and inquiries that come up regarding pay, transferring and incoming personnel..
I like the experience this job has given me,” said Mooney. “It’s a lot more rewarding in the Navy than in a civilian sector. In the Navy, it’s a lot more organized with people working to help each other out.”
The LCS platform has a unique manning concept called “3-2-1,” where three crews serve aboard two different littoral combat ships, one of which is deployed. This innovative manning concept allows the LCS to spend more time forward deployed without overtaxing the crew, according to Navy officials.
Designed to defeat threats such as mines, quiet diesel submarines and fast surface craft, littoral combat ships are a bold departure from traditional Navy shipbuilding programs. The LCS sustainment strategy was developed to take into account the unique design and manning of LCS and its associated mission modules.
“I like the knowledge I pick up at this command,” said Mooney. “This is my first command as a yeoman, and it encompasses everything that a yeoman will do, and then some.”
According to Navy officials, the path to becoming an LCS sailor is a long one. Following an 18-month training pipeline, sailors have to qualify on a simulator that is nearly identical to the ship. This intense and realistic training pipeline allows sailors to execute their roles and responsibilities immediately upon stepping onboard.
“Sailors that work aboard this platform are expected to be capable of performing a variety of tasks to assist in the completion of the LCS mission,” said Capt. Warren R Buller, commander, LCS Squadron One. “The training that is required of our sailors is rigorous and difficult. This ensures that they are mission ready to defend and protect America at all times.”
As a service member supporting the LCS mission, Mooney explained they are building a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes. Sailors know how important it is for the Navy to develop new war fighting capabilities to continue their success on the world’s oceans.
“To me, serving in the Navy means legacy and pride,” added Mooney. “I’m 4th generation in my family for the Navy, and it was the best direction I took in my life.”
Through innovative planning, the design of systems, and crew requirements, the LCS platform allows the fleet to increase forward presence and optimize its personnel, improving the ability of the Navy to be where it matters, when it matters.
