SOUTH KOREA -- Military Sealift Command Far East selected Petty Officer Second Class Jennifer Diesma as Junior Sailor of the Quarter.

“I was honored to have been selected and am grateful that my work ethic, abilities and professional qualities are helpful,” the Hayward, California, resident said.

“The most gratifying part of my job is when the mission is accomplished and done well.”

The reservist works for the U.S. Postal Service but combined extended AT and active duty training to assist MSCO Korea during an extremely demanding period. 

“I really want to support the warfighter,” she said.  

“The most rewarding experience has been helping with a critical need in theater. I love being able to help when called upon.”

As a result of the pandemic, MSC crew swaps can be a bit tricky. Transferring personnel may need to travel through several countries before arriving at their final destinations. Each country in the region has unique COVID-related protocols and requirements, which change frequently.

MSCO Korea needs a resident expert, versed in the ever-changing requirements, who can help guide military members or civil service and contract mariners, ensuring they successfully navigate the process. This includes processing COVID-related paperwork for all MSC mariners entering and departing Korea and assisting with all travel logistics.  

Diesma answered the call and continues researching the requirements. She helps usher MSCO Korea military members, selective reserves, Korean nationals and U.S. government civilians through the process, particularly with the command’s correspondence, travel claims and other personnel transactions.

“Having a full-time admin officer with the team would make the quarantine action plan and other administrative processes run quickly and smoothly, especially with the volume of MSC travelers arriving and departing Korea right now,” Diesma said.

In addition to her regular duties, Diesma participates in a number of community civic organizations and projects.  

While the COVID-related requirements change based on the health environment and the operational tempo is quite hectic, Diesma is used to working hard. Originally from Manila, Philippines, she joined the Navy as a reservist in November 2012.  

After her initial Navy training, she was assigned to Coastal Riverine Squadron (CRS) 1, supported CRS 2 in Dubai and the Navy Operational Support Center, Alameda, California.

Diesma has been with Military Sealift Command for the last three years. During that time, she deployed aboard USNS Pecos (T-AO 197) and filled a yeoman first class billet at Ship Support Unit Guam before taking the MSCO Korea job.

“Some of the advantages of working with MSC is the command’s resiliency. We service and support both our ships and crews ashore and at sea throughout this vast area of responsibility,” Diesma explains.

“[Serving with MSC] is a win-win situation for me because I can visit other countries, meet new friends, eat a variety of delicious foods, and learn other cultures and traditions while serving our country.”

Members of Military Sealift Command Far East reserve units, like Diesma, have deployed throughout the Indo-Pacific Region, working with their active-duty counterparts and civilian colleagues, providing critical logistical support to MSC ships operating in the 7th Fleet Area of Operations.

As the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed fleet, 7th Fleet employs 50-70 ships and submarines across the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans. U.S. 7th Fleet routinely operates and interacts with 35 maritime nations while conducting missions to preserve and protect a free and open Indo-Pacific Region.