Joanne, what responsibilities have you had as one of the USS Kitty Hawk’s last ombudsman?

I am responsible for the CARE line, and tend to e-mails from Kitty Hawk family members. Their concerns range from: "I haven’t heard from my sailor in a couple days — can you check on them," to moms who want me to help arrange for a birthday cake for their sailor, to, if there is an emergency situation, they’ll call me for help. Being an ombudsman has meant working an extra 30 to 35 hours a week, but it’s been so rewarding.

Tell us about it.

As an ombudsman, I love the feeling of empowering spouses who don’t think they can handle things on their own. When they can handle things without their sailor, it’s really cool, because they never before realized how strong they are.

What is your favorite Navy movie?

"Antwone Fisher." It shows that there are caring people who help struggling sailors who are a little hard-headed. We actually got to meet Antwone Fisher at the Navy ball in San Diego; he was the guest speaker. He said that if it weren’t for the Navy, he wouldn’t be the playwright he is today.

What has been your favorite duty station?

Probably when we were stationed in London. I’m actually from Scotland and since my mom is English, it was very cool, because I was able to go to London to have our second child with my family present. But really, Scotland is where my heart is.

You don’t sound Scottish. Have you ever chucked haggis?

My father was in the U.S. Navy, and so I was always around Scottish and Americans, so my accent was mixed. As I got older, it became more Americanized. I’ve never eaten haggis, but I like the cuisine.

Did you meet your husband in Scotland?

Yes, he was stationed at the Holy Loch base, where the USS Simon Lake was homeported. We were actually the last American couple to be married on the base before they shut the whole base down. That was 1992.

Your mom is originally from Liverpool, England. Did she know any of the Beatles?

Actually, before they got really big, she went to several concerts as a first-aid nurse for the people who got sick or passed out. The Beatles are a must in my family.

Joanne Fournier

Age: 34

Location: Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan

Claim to fame: USS Kitty Hawk ombudsman, Yokosuka Navy Exchange customer service manager

Migrated