U.S. Navy minemen typically serve aboard minesweepers, also known as mine countermeasure ships, to detect and neutralize underwater mines. Minemen are also tasked with assembling and testing underwater explosive devices. However, aboard the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Tulsa (LSC 16), minemen take on many other responsibilities.
With just over a year in the Navy, Mineman Seaman Jacob Robinson, a native of Bluffton, S.C., has done anything but what a typical mineman would do.
“I was actually surprised to find out that I wasn’t going to be working with the other minemen on the ship,” said Robinson. “It is nice though, being able to learn different jobs and still progressing as a Sailor.”
Robinson, who has been with Tulsa for about three months, found his place on the ship assisting the independent duty corpsman. His day-to-day workload involves helping the doc with small tasks so that she can focus on her more pressing matters.
“He’s an eager learner and always willing to step out of his comfort zone,” said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Mary Ashcraft, from Honolulu. “He’s a great asset because he’s always willing to help out the ship. Robinson will be a great leader in his career.”
Since a lot of the other minemen on the ship are part of deck department, Robinson also helps with different deck operations, like line-handling.
No matter how hard the work can be, Robinson maintains a positive outlook on his time aboard the ship.
“I like the LCS because everyone is so close,” said Robinson. “You can actually form real connections with people rather than just walking by someone and they’re just another face.”
Self-motivation can be a challenge many Sailors face throughout their time in the Navy. For Robinson, his personal growth is what drives him.
“I try to be a better version of myself every day,” said Robinson. “If I can improve a little bit each day then I can be great by the end of my Navy career.”
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