Current Mariner Success Stories
Mr. Jonathan Woodward, Deck Engineer Machinist
Mr. Jonathan Woodward joined Military Sealift Command 6 years ago as a supply utilityman without any prior seagoing experience. Woodward had earned a culinary degree and had been working as a chef when he received his conditional offer letter. Today, Woodward is a deck engineer machinist (DMACH) and is working to become a third assistant engineer.
As a DMACH on the USNS Kanawha, Woodward is responsible for fuel operations, fabricating parts and maintaining gears as well as maintaining a variety of other deck equipment. In order to get to this position, Woodward requested to work in the engine department during his off hours, studied for USCG upgrade exams and applied for internal promotion announcements. He now finds himself in a completely different world from that which he began with MSC. In fact, Woodward finds it hard to believe his story would qualify as a success story because anyone can do it. “With a good attitude and cultivation of patience you can inspire and aspire to do anything and become anything out here” he stated.
Originally from Guam, Woodward, age 26, learned about the MSC’s employment opportunities from a friend. He now resides in Norfolk, VA, which gives him more flexibility when it comes to his daily responsibilities with MSC. “I have not had a chance to get back home to visit family in awhile. This has not been because MSC has not offered ample time for leave, but instead personal choices. By my continuing to work, I am able to support them as they did for me for many years.”
Being so far away from family has made Woodward truly cherish the daily experiences he has gained with MSC. He has sailed on seven ships so far and each has been a unique experience. He now appreciates the power of Mother Nature – her battles and her majesty. He would never have been exposed to the wide variety of personalities, which he compares to being in a stand up comedy club. He has seen cultures from east to west: he has tasted the freshest Chille crab in Singapore; experienced a night out in Italy tasting the finest wine; and spent a day on the whitest beaches of Spain — all of these places he only imagined as a child. When people ask Woodward about his career with MSC, he simply responds with, “Where else can you earn this kind of money, grow professionally and experience such wonderful things for free?”
While he does not know if he will be doing this forever, the memories will surely last forever. “For those wondering if this is for them, know that a positive attitude goes a long way. The work is difficult but the rewards far outweigh the labor. If you open your mind and would like to change your life in a big way I sincerely recommend MSC… and don’t worry about the sea sickness, it is only temporary.” Woodward says with a smile.