In 1970, Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral E. Zumwalt recognized the issues and concerns that are unique to Navy families. In response to those issues, he established the Navy Family Ombudsman Program. The Navy Family Ombudsman Program, staffed entirely by volunteers, is governed by OPNAVINST 1750.1E
The ombudsman is a vital resource to assist the command in discharging the commanding officer’s (CO’s) responsibilities for the morale and welfare of the families of the command.
The Command Family Ombudsman Program belongs to the command and is shaped to a great extent by the CO’s perceptions of the needs of the command. The ombudsman is appointed by and works under the guidance of the CO, who determines the priorities of the program, the roles and relationships of those involved in it, and the type and level of support it will receive. The effectiveness of the Command Ombudsman Program in serving the needs of the command and its family is greatly influenced by these decisions.
The ombudsman is the link between the command and Navy families. This is especially true in deploying commands where the ombudsman is the primary point of contact between the families at home and the command during deployment.
Navy Family Ombudsmen are communication links, information and referral resources and advocates for command family members. Appointed by the Commanding Officer, Command Ombudsmen are volunteers and spouses of service members within the command. As an official command representative, the Ombudsman is a point of contact for all family members connected to the command – including spouses, parents and extended family members. The Ombudsman Code of Ethics guarantees professionalism and confidentiality, within the program.hin the program.
The Navy Ombudsman Program serves as a lifeline for Navy family members, especially when the active duty member is deployed. Whether the issue involves deployment, finances, relocating or any other obstacle that can occur an Ombudsman is there to assist. These volunteers are here to help families of their commands through difficult times by guiding them in the right direction. |
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The Rota Ombudsman's Team
Hello to all the families of Naval Station Hospital Rota. My name is Angela Pearce and I am glad to be on board as one of your new Hospital Ombudsman. I am married to a awesome Sailor and am the mother of 2 wonderful grown boys. Being the wife and daughter of military members I have a passion for helping families and supporting our troops. I am here to support you, the members of our hospital family. Whether you are a spouse, child, sibling, parent or other family member, I am here to answer your questions and refer you to the many experts available to assist you. The more informed, educated and prepared you are, the more focused our Sailors will be on their mission. There are so many programs available to assist with military life. Please feel free to contact me I am always happy to be of service. I look forward to serving you and to help make this a great duty station for us all!
Angela Pearce
hospombud2@gmail.com
cell: 638-87-8748
VPN: 18-727-1320
FAQ
What is an Ombudsman?
The ombudsman is a volunteer, chosen by the Commanding Officer, on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. An ombudsman is a spouse of an active duty or selected reserve member assigned to the command who serves as the official liaison between the command and its families. The ombudsman assists the CO in maintaining the morale and welfare of the command's active duty service members and its families.
What an Ombudsman does?
The ombudsman acts as an advocate for families and single sailors. We help to disseminate accurate information regarding command policies, services available, and deployments. We are a confidential Point of Contact for families and single sailors and refer them to the appropriate agency for questions, concerns, help, or intervention according to OPNAVINST 1750.1F
What an Ombudsman is not?
The ombudsman is not a trained counselor or social worker, but can show you the way to solving your problems or getting assistance.
Our Creed
I AM AN OMBUDSMAN
I am not a crutch,
But I can support you
I am not a counselor
But I know one
I am not a taxi driver
But I can steer- you in the right direction
I am not a rescuer
But I can help save lives
I am not a babysitter
But I can refer you to a caregiver
I am not a gossiper
But I am a great listener
I am not an enabler
But I can provide tools to empower you
I am not a master of anything
But I know many experts who understand your needs
I am not a Recreation or Health Specialist
But I am concerned about your Morale, Welfare, and Health
I am not a busybody as I've been called
But I am an Official Command Representative
I am a Navy family Ombudsman
And I am of Service to you The Navy Family
"YOU'VE GOT QUESTIONS...WE HAVE ANSWERS!"