KADENA, Japan (May 17, 2021) - Just because a service member overseas is attending a digital campus doesn’t mean they can’t have a live graduation. Navy College Office Okinawa held a graduation ceremony for 17 college graduates at Commander, Fleet Activities Okinawa’s Camp Shields, Okinawa, Japan May 14, 2021.

The graduating ‘class’ of 2020/2021 consists of 15 Sailors and two Navy-affiliated civilians who received their degrees or are within nine credit hours of receiving a degree and are on track to finish this year. Four associates, eight bachelors and five master’s degrees from a dozen institutions were awarded. COVID-mitigation measures were in place for a safe ceremony.

“Many of the students didn't get the chance to go back to their respective universities for a graduation ceremony,” said Navy College Office Okinawa Director Dr. Marchello Delano. “This is a public acknowledgement of the efforts and wherewithal of our Sailors to complete an educational goal that they have successfully achieved while serving on active duty in the Navy.”

Delano counts himself among those that have received their degrees with the support of the Navy College Program. His office supports 7,000 Sailors on Okinawa providing information on using navy tuition assistance, which covers the cost of college classes at no cost to the Sailor, creating attainable goals for achieving desired degrees, apprenticeship credit through the USMAP program and credentialing. Other educational opportunities coordinated by his office are CLEP examinations and standardized tests such as the SAT.

Navy College, military training and Navy resources were a factor in students’ ability to attain their degrees. CFAO Commander Master Chief Michael Fluent, one of two command master chiefs to be recognized at the ceremony, earned his bachelor’s degree in administration & management from Excelsior College. He credits the Navy College Office with supporting his goals and shared his insights on how to maximize the Navy’s educational benefits.

“First, I took every military school I could. Never turn down free training. Second, tuition assistance paid for all of my college credits earned through civilian schools,” he said. “Since I knew I would finish my degree while still in service I transferred my Post 9-11 GI Bill benefits to my children. My family will achieve three college degrees from the benefits earned in one military career.”

Fluent earned his degree after 27 years of on and off again education; originally he took courses for the mental challenge and changed schools a few times. He recommends Sailors find a school that works for them and stick with it.

Okinawa is one of 12 overseas Navy College offices worldwide. These physical office are designed to help Sailors access and understand their educational benefits.