Spouses ‘learn the ropes’ of U.S. Navy history, lifestyle
Story and photo by Jamie Chevalier, Seahawk contributor


(Right) Emily Kirkpatrick and Jacqueline Nuttall speak to Navy spouses who took the COMPASS class. COMPASS is a three day spouse-to-spouse mentoring program that introduces participants to all aspects of the military lifestyle.

New Navy spouses attended a three day class offered by Fleet and Family Services (FFSC) designed to teach them about the history of the Navy as well as give them insight into the Navy way of life.

COMPASS class is a spouse-to-spouse mentoring program that introduces new spouses to everything from how to read a leave and earning statement (LES) to how to recognize ranks on uniforms.

Jacqueline Nuttall is a COMPASS volunteer. She got involved after attending a class. She said one of the benefits of the class is all the different things spouses can learn.

“We talk about the history of the Navy, for examples its traditions and ceremonies. Finances, ways to deal with deployment, sharing moving tips and information, local insights, and healthy communication,” Nuttall said.

Carrie Gaynor has been married to her sailor husband for six months. She took the class so she could learn about the resources available to her.

“Logistically, you have to do many things people in the civilian world don’t even have to think about. So I wanted to know what was available to me, and I want to know this base and its departments well,” she said.

Gaynor said the other wives quickly put her at ease.

“We shared anecdotes and I got a lot of good advice for thriving in the Navy. And it’s always comforting to relate to other people! Compass provided a casual atmosphere where we could quickly be comfortable with each other,” she said.

COMPASS is offered once a quarter, but Nuttall said it could be more often if there is a need. The next one is scheduled for June. For more information people can visit http://gocompass.org/ or e-mail njacart@yahoo.com.