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My name is Michael D. Amedick. I am an IFCA member pastor and I serve as a U.S. Navy chaplain for Destroyer Squadron 26, with its homeport in Norfolk, Virginia. Destroyer Squadron 26 consists of five guided missile destroyers with a total of 1,400 sailors. serving on them. As the squadron’s chaplain, I work for the Commodore, a senior Captain who oversees the training and operations of all five ships. I also work closely with the commanding officers and executive officers of each of the ships. My duties as a chaplain consist of providing worship services, counseling to sailors, and ethical and other advice to the commanding officers. One common misconception about chaplains is that they need to conduct services for many different types of denomination. That is not true. Chaplains conduct their services according to their own faith background. Since I pastored an independent Bible church before becoming a chaplain, my services are conducted like a typical Bible church. Our motto is that we provide for our own, we facilitate for others, and we care for all. Another misconception is that chaplains are limited in what they are able to say. I have not found that to be the case at all. A wonderful aspect of the chaplain ministry is the ability to meet and speak with people from all over the country who have many viewpoints. There are many opportunities to share the gospel. My squadron is currently deployed with an aircraft carrier strike group in the Persian Gulf. We are conducting missions in support of the war in Iraq along with the wider Global War on Terrorism. My next assignment is with a Marine Division in North Carolina. Besides serving the needs of the Navy, Navy chaplains serve with Marine Corps and Coast Guard units. The Navy treats its chaplains well. Chaplains are given the rank, pay, and benefits of an officer. They receive 30 days paid vacation each year. The Navy provides opportunities for annual professional development training, and each year sends several chaplains to top seminaries for fully-paid Master of Theology degrees. Michael D. Amedick
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