|
Published: August 31, 2008 10:47 pm
AT SEA: Mass Communications Specialist Joe Painter serves about the U.S.S. Ronald Reagan.
By Daniel Pye E-mail Dan
Niagara Gazette
When he graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology with a degree in photojournalism, North Tonawanda native Joe Painter said he was looking for a traditional photographer’s job.
But when all of the positions he saw required two years of experience in the field, Painter found an interesting way to get the on-the-job training he required and pay off his student loans at the same time.
“I found out the Navy had photojournalism jobs, so I went to the recruiting office to find out about the details,” Painter said.
Shortly after he signed on the dotted line and landed aboard the U.S.S. Ronald Reagan, using his skills to document the daily lives of sailors and the places they go. Not being a boat guy before joining up, Painter said it took the better part of a year to get his sea legs.
“Being out to sea was tough, especially at first,” Painter said. “But I knew that when I was going into it and it’s what I signed up for.”
After two years, Painter said he has adjusted to the routine of life at sea. He’s so adjusted, in fact, that putting into port and being back in civilization, away from his ship’s regimented structure, is sometimes a little disconcerting. But he’s developing both as a photographer and as a writer and graphic designer in a role where he’s asked to do a little of everything.
His adaptability has made Painter a valuable asset to the crew, said Lt. Ron Flanders, who oversees the 24-member press contingent on the ship.
“He is without question one of the best photojournalists in the entire military,” Flanders said.
In addition to upping his journalism credibility, Painter has also become a seasoned world traveler after seeing places like Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Guam and Malaysia. But even though traveling the world has been a rewarding experience, it doesn’t come without its share of difficulty. Painter’s wife and two children in Rochester are always on his mind.
“The hardest part about doing a deployment is being away from my family,” Painter said.
Now that he’s halfway through his five-year contract, Painter is starting to look at the future. He’s applied to become an public relations officer and might consider the Navy long-term instead of coming back to civilian life like he originally planned.
“It all depends on what happens in the next six months,” Painter said.
|
|
|
Photos
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Dental Reception
Maintenance Supervisor FT Maintenance Niagara Falls YMCA. HVAC, electr., plbg, carpentry, cleaning, pool. $13....>MORE
BILINGUAL PHONE INTERVIEWER
Bilingual Telephone interviewer. Surveys for insurance policy review. Spanish/English a Must. ft/pt & Sat. No sales/coll...>MORE
Adult Residential Services Administrator
HUMAN SERVICES Progressive Niagara County Agency serving adults with psychiatric disabilties seeks an Adult Reside...>MORE
Nurse Practitioner
NURSE PRACTITIONER-CARDIOLOGY. Full time. NYS license with one year of recent coronary care or cardiovacular care experi...>MORE
Marriage Counselor
Catholic Charities has an excellent professional development opportunity available for the following position: ...>MORE
Hospitality/Tourism Instructor
Hospitality/Tourism. NIAGARA COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE is seeking applications for part-time instructor to teach hospita...>MORE
Warehouse
Warehouse, Assembly Production & Cleaning 1st, 2nd & 3rd shifts Sanborn, Grand Island Amherst & Tona...>MORE
Used Car Lot Helper
USED CAR Lot Helper misc. duties, valid driver’s license, great work environment. For details 731-2319 ask for Mr. Dan...>MORE
Sale Interviews
SALES. Joe Cecconi's Chrysler Complex, 2380 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Joe Cecconi's offers: Excellent pay ...>MORE
Private Investigator
Private Investigator Proven ability and equipment to conduct surveillance, background inquires and searches. 1-5 ye...>MORE
See all ads |
Chevy 1994 High Topper Van
CHEVY 1994 High topper van, high road miles, mechanically sound, $900 or bo, 716-510-8105...>MORE
1996 Ford Escort
FORD 1996 Escort 4 cyl, 2 dr, exc cond in & out, no rust, 1 owner, only 61k orig mi, $2195. 523-7102...>MORE
Nissan 1993 4x4
NISSAN 1993 4x4, extended cab, bedliner cap, $1200 or best offer, 715-2450...>MORE
Yamaha 1982, 750
YAMAHA 1982, 750, runs perfect, low mileage, $895. 716-525-2889...>MORE
Ford 2001 Taurus
Ford 2001 Taurus Station wagon, well maintained, 112,000 miles Siver ext. 4 dr, auto, asking $2800/BO. 716-772-2454....>MORE
Monte Carlo Z24 1998
MONTE CARLO Z24, 1998, runs good, average miles, excellent shape, $1800 , 990-2303...>MORE
1996 Saturn Sport Coup
SATURN 1996 Sport coup, 4 cyl, auto, exc cond in & out, loaded, CD, no rust, 97k orig. mi, $2195. 523-7102....>MORE
1999 Dodge Caravan
DODGE 1999 Caravan, 33, V6, auto, A/C, 99k miles, good cond., runs great. $1950. 525-7796...>MORE
1984 Cadillac Eldorado
CADILLAC Eldorado 1984, runs, inspected, $500. 283-3552....>MORE
Ford 1998 F150
FORD 1998 F150, standard cab, 4wd, excellent shape, $3495. 716-525-2889...>MORE
See all ads |
|
 |
|