The US Navy is deploying more chaplains aboard ships to address the growing mental health concerns among its sailors, including an increase in suicides.
Chaplains are being deployed to connect with sailors, regardless of their religious affiliation, and provide them with confidential counseling.
Navy officials hope to have 47 chaplains on ships based in Norfolk, Virginia, up from 37 today, and to enhance access to mental health care without stigma or retaliation.
Suicide and mental health concerns among enlisted men under 29 are rising, with more than 500 service members taking their own lives in 2021.
US Navy Chaplain Responsibilities
According to the official website of the Navy Chaplain Corps, the daily responsibilities of a US Navy Chaplain include:
Providing religious ministry: The chaplain conducts religious services and sacraments, such as Mass, Communion, and Baptism, to meet the religious needs of sailors and their families.
Counseling and pastoral care: Chaplains provide confidential counseling to sailors and their families on a variety of issues, including marital problems, financial difficulties, and personal stress.
Advising the command: The chaplain advises the command on the religious and spiritual needs of the crew and provides guidance on ethical and moral issues.
Crisis response: Chaplains are trained to provide crisis response and emotional support during natural disasters, accidents, and combat situations.
Training and development: The chaplain also provides training and development programs to sailors and their families on religious and spiritual topics.
Source: United States Navy Chaplain Corps, “Roles and Responsibilities,” accessed March 30, 2023, https://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/support/chaplain/Pages/Roles-and-Responsibilities.aspx.