Military couple going dual IA

Today, Chris is the photo supervisor at VP-16 at NAS Jacksonville and Regina is stationed at Fleet Public Affairs Center (FLTPACEN) Mayport. Both have records of superior performance and are known for always looking to do more than is asked of them.

"I have actually had the opportunity to work with both Chris and Regina. Chris contributed his talents to FLTPACEN when he first arrived in Jacksonville. His command was on deployment upon his arrival, so we mustered him until the returned," stated FLTPACEN Leading Petty Officer MC1(AW) Toiette Jackson. "They are both 'grade A' Sailors who always get the job done and they are passionate about everything that they do."

Recently Chris and Regina have decided to take a major step in their careers. On June 25, they will join the ranks of thousands of other Sailors who have answered the call and begin their individual augmentee (IA) tours. Regina will be reporting to Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa, Djbouti, where she will be responsible for photo, video and written documentation of all humanitarian efforts that joint forces are conducting in the theatre of operations. She will tell the world the Navy's story and portray the goodness of our military forces.

"I am getting the chance to focus on the good that is being done around the world by our troops. It's an exciting opportunity and I am looking forward to being part of it," commented Regina.

Chris will report to Multi-national Forces, Iraq where he will work in the embassy as a media representative and non-commissioned press officer to the joint forces.

"I don't know exactly what I will be doing when I get there but I'm sure it won't be lacking in excitement. We are just glad that we are getting the chance to do our part," said Chris.

The decision to volunteer as IAs seemed as natural of a decision as it was for the couple to join the military.

"Joining the Navy is something that I have always wanted for myself. I have received countless benefits from my experiences that the Navy has provided me. This opportunity will only add to the list of things that I am grateful for," commented Regina. "As far as Chris and I going away to separate places, we'll be ok. We have a job to do and it's one that we are both truly looking forward to."

Communication is the key to any successful relationship and they both know that it's going to take a lot of it to keep things calm for them.

"We will be able to keep in touch and we both know that these assignments are going to be adventurous. Knowing what lies ahead for each of us will keep our relationship thriving. I'm excited for her. I know that she is going to have a successful tour and I'm sure that she feels the same for me," stated Chris smiling.

Currently as with any other rating in the Navy, MC is on the hot list for IA duty. If volunteers do not come forward, IA candidates are randomly chosen to fill the required billets.

"This was the first time as an IA point of contact that I had a husband and wife team call me and say that they wanted to do an IA tour simultaneously," stated MC Detailer MCCS(SW/AW) Wayne Edwards.

"It's an honorable thing when you get two Sailors who step up to the plate like they did. The Browns have plans to separate at the end of their obligated service and they had told me that this was something that they wanted to do before they got out. I think it's fantastic that they are doing this."

Chris and Regina know that they may have pushed someone else out of the "hot seat" and they are ok with that. "We are going to fill the billets for two shipmates who may have unexpectedly gotten the call. Maybe we afforded one or two families with children the opportunity to stay together for at least another year," noted Chris.

"I am positive that this will leave us with a sense of pride and accomplishment. Our plans were to give it our all and go out with a bang. I guess this is one way to do it," added Regina.

The Browns will attend a two-week training course beginning in Norfolk, Va. and ending in Fort Bragg, S.C. From there, they will report to their respective commands. They will return together from their overseas assignments in one year and process out of the Navy and plan to move to Colorado.

If you are interested in the IA program, contact your career counselor's office or speak to your chain of command.