MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Lt. Colin Mathewson, a native of El Cajon, California, is training at Naval Chaplaincy School to serve as a chaplain for America’s seafaring warfighters.
Mathewson is a 1998 graduate of Valhalla High School. Additionally, Mathewson earned degrees from Stanford University in 2002 and Sewanee School of Theology in 2013.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in El Cajon.
“I appreciate all I learned around mental toughness, perseverance and team building through my time on the Valhalla High School basketball team,” said Mathewson.
Mathewson joined the Navy two years ago.
“I was surprised to discover that God was calling me to the ministry of Naval chaplaincy after receiving a call from a chaplain recruiter in 2022,” said Mathewson.
More than 800 Navy chaplains from more than 100 faith groups, including Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Buddhist, serve in the Navy Chaplain Corps. After seven weeks of training at Naval Chaplaincy School and Center at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island, the chaplains set on their mission to provide support and guidance to sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen at sea and on the shore.
“In conversations about national defense, you hear about great power competition and competition among peers and near-peers,” said Capt. Charles Varsogea, chaplain and commanding officer of the Naval Chaplaincy School. “The people of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard have no peers. Part of what makes them peerless defenders of the Constitution is their determination to do so with body, mind, and spirit. No nation on earth can replicate the fighting spirit of our sea services. The graduates of our Basic Leadership Course are trained, developed, and inspired to give our seagoing warfighters the strength of spirit necessary to complete their missions with honor.”
Chaplains and religious program specialists (RP) play a critical role in helping the Department of the Navy achieve and maintain a ready force through the delivery of professional religious ministry and compassionate pastoral care. Chaplains and RPs are embedded within commands operating at sea and ashore to ensure 24/7 availability. They provide a source of comfort and refuge that enables service members and their families to practice and grow in their faith and to face personal and professional challenges.
“Navy chaplains encourage their shipmates to connect to the ultimate good and to a community that shares their convictions about what or who that good is,” said Varsogea. “Navy chaplains help people find the value, the meaning, and the purpose of their lives. Navy chaplains support people in their willingness to serve and sacrifice for the greater good.”
In the Basic Leadership Course, Navy chaplains learn to tailor religious ministry to life in the sea services. They also learn how to facilitate the free exercise of religion for people of faiths other than their own. They learn service-specific ways to care for all people and they learn how and when to render their best military advice.
“I love the opportunity to learn more about military and Navy life, especially as a native San Diegan, and also the chance to stay in shape in my 40s,” said Mathewson. “The role of the chaplain is particularly critical as we provide the only confidential space for our servicemembers to share their struggles.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Mathewson serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Mathewson has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I really haven’t done much in the Navy yet, as I’m only now in chaplain school,” said Mathewson. “I was honored to perform two baptisms on ships thus far which was a moving and memorable experience.”
Mathewson can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Though far from perfect, this country is sincerely committed to the ideals of its founding and it is my home, so it is an honor to be part of the team sworn to protect it and our Constitution,” added Mathewson.
By Rick Burke
Navy Office of Community Outreach
Reprinted courtesy U.S. Navy
