NAVAL AIR STATION NORTH ISLAND, Calif. –
Since 2007, Naval Air Systems Command’s (NAVAIR) Mentoring Program has promoted the value of workplace learning, career development and personal growth as a tool to prepare its future leaders and those of the Navy.
The program is available to all employees, and every year NAVAIR recognizes those mentors who best exemplify the abilities, insights and dedication required of successful mentors.
At Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW), Senior Chief Yeoman (YNCS) Jolyn Jones is the command’s 2021 Mentor of the Year (MOY).
“I was surprised as there were other candidates who were put in for it. I am honored to be selected as MOY for FRCSW,” she said.
Jones, who is the command’s Administration Officer, led and mentored 61 Sailors throughout four divisions at FRCSW, the largest of 23 tenant commands assigned to Naval Air Station North Island.
“I have five Sailors who personally reached out to me requesting that I be their mentor within the command,” she said. “Outside of FRCSW, there are several that I continue to mentor from previous commands.”
“I enjoy helping people and it’s a rewarding feeling to know that someone sought me out to be part of their journey, and impacting their personal and professional goals,” she added.
She was also voted the mentor for the FRCSW First Class Petty Officer Association, which is comprised of more than 100 Sailors.
A native of Fort Sill, Okla., Jones enlisted in the Navy in 1998 and earned the rank of Chief Petty Officer in September 2016 while assigned to the guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG-53). Four years later she was promoted to Senior Chief.
She transferred to FRCSW in July 2019 from the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA-6) where she served as the Administration Leading Chief Petty Officer and Homeport Change Officer.
Since arriving, she has held a number of positions including the Maintenance Admin/Fleet Customer Service/Career Counselor DLCPO, Morale Welfare Recreation Chief, Exceptional Family Member Program Coordinator and Chief Petty Officer Association Vice President.
Jones started mentoring as a means of “paying it forward” to those who had, and continue, to mentor her.
“I have a lot of mentors and can’t give just one person credit, but within my rate and outside my rate I seek professional and personal guidance to tackle challenges and accomplish my goals,” she said.
“The main influences in my career are my children and parents. Without their understanding and support, I definitely wouldn’t be where I’m at in my career and be able to continue doing it.”
As a mentor, Jones said she encourages others to establish goals with target dates of achievement, and to take advantage of all opportunities that may arise relative to those goals.
“In the process, we check the status because sometimes we get consumed with our jobs and what needs to be done, and we forget about what we need to do for ourselves. Sometimes we need forceful backup to keep us on track,” she said.
When choosing a mentor, Jones recommended that mentees select one who will be transparent and honest with them.
“You may not like what they’re telling you but it’s the truth on what you’re doing or not doing right, or what you should be doing. For anyone interested in becoming a mentor, make sure you’re always available for your mentee(s). You’re that listening ear --- that person they chose wanting your guidance.”
NAVAIR’s annual MOY Awards ceremony will be held virtually January 27 at 10 a.m. as part of its 2022 National Mentoring Month event. To register, visit NAVAIRU and select CISL-EVT-FY22015.