Leader Becomes Highest Ranking Adventist Chaplain in the US Navy Reserve

By: Mylon Medley, North American Division News

Washington Johnson II, the associate director of the North American Division Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries, was recently selected for promotion to captain in the United States Navy Reserve. The promotion will bring greater leadership responsibilities through extensive oversight for religious programming, and counsel to members of the Navy Reserve’s senior leadership regarding spiritual, moral, and ethical issues.

“It is a high honor to serve both God and country.”

Johnson is now the third African-American Seventh-day Adventist to hold the rank in the United States Navy Chaplain Corps, following Captain Herman Kibble and Admiral Barry Black.

“I am truly grateful to God for the blessing of this selection and the opportunity to continue my chaplaincy ministry in the new rank,” said Johnson. “It is a high honor to serve both God and country.”

Johnson’s new level of administrative authority in the Navy Reserve expands the scope of his duties to include strategic planning and the training and development of other chaplains of various faiths. In his current role at NAD chaplaincy ministries, Johnson facilitates endorsements, recruits prospective chaplains, and interacts with union and conference leaders.

“The promotion to captain will provide increased mentoring opportunities that will help to prepare the next generation of Seventh-day Adventist chaplains,” said Johnson.

Johnson is also a staff chaplain at the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), and the United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) in Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States.

The official promotion ceremony for Capt. Johnson is scheduled for October 1, 2018.