NSA Monterey Welcomes New Quality of Life Director
Asset Publisher
U.S. Navy photo by Melinda Larson
NSA Monterey Welcomes New Quality of Life Director
By Melinda Larson, NSAM Public Affairs
From the largest overseas U.S. Naval installation in the world, to one of the smallest in the world, Naval Support Activity Monterey's new Quality of Life director is ready for new challenges.
After 16 years at Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Kyle Rhodus is faced with the fact that he doesn't have the same type of captive audience he had when serving 28,000 military members and their families in Japan.
"My biggest challenge here is getting people into the doors of our facilities. We're hosting great programs in the evenings and on weekends. We want people to come back to the installation after work for fitness events, dining events, and community events because we can do it as well as the commercial entities outside the gates," said Rhodus who arrived here the end of December.
When they arrived during the Christmas holiday Rhodus and his wife, Liz, and 13-year old son, Jaxson, were able to experience the Navy Gateway Inns and Suites (NGIS) at Herrmann Hall for a month while they house hunted. He said he looks forward to the completion of the $18 million renovation currently underway there because it will turn the NGIS property under his charge into a Navy flagship property.
"When the renovation is complete it will be the nicest NGIS property in the Navy," Rhodus said. "It has gone from a transient hotel to a focal point for military folks to stay and visit Monterey. You cannot beat the location or the amenities we provide."
A nine-time Ironman finisher and former mixed-martial arts fighter, Rhodus is responsible for events offered by the Monterey Bay Athletic Club, Monterey Pines Golf Course, community recreation department, and five food and beverage outlets. NSAM leadership is confident Rhodus is the right person for the job based on his skill and expertise.
"We absolutely selected the best candidate for this important position. We're looking forward to seeing how Kyle's skills and expertise can enhance our Quality of Life programs here," said NSAM Deputy Pete Dausen.
As Rhodus puts his brand on the department, he compared the differences between stateside and overseas Quality of Life programs.
"It's a much smaller community here and a good percentage of people are not using our facilities. We can't get lazy here because we aren't the only game in town. In Japan more people used base facilities because there weren't many options outside the gate and there often was a language barrier," Rhodus explained.
As if running a hotel, multiple dining and recreation facilities, and a child development center weren't enough, Rhodus is also responsible for the myriad services offered by the Fleet and Family Support Center.
"We support military members, their families and civilian employees with counseling, classes, and education," said Rhodus who is responsible for some 250 employees.
Rhodus, whose formal education includes a Masters of recreation administration and management from University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, knew he wanted to work for the Navy instead of college campus recreation after serving an internship at Naval Station Rota, Spain.
"After an internship at Rota I knew that's what I wanted to do because there I realized the importance of quality of life programs and giving back. I'm all about outstanding customer service, great programs, and excellent facilities," he said.
When the job at NSAM came open, Rhodus said it was a perfect opportunity to work for the Navy and have the campus experience to mesh his two recreational fields. At the end of the day, it is all about results.
"I like to see the immediate impacts of what I do. Monterey is an ideal place for me to decompress from the high pace at Yokosuka, and make an impact," Rhodus said.
The next big event for his recreation department?
"Super Bowl 51 in the Trident and El Prado Dining Room! Hope to see everyone there for quality food and beverages, great prizes, and good company," Rhodus said.
From the largest overseas U.S. Naval installation in the world, to one of the smallest in the world, Naval Support Activity Monterey's new Quality of Life director is ready for new challenges.
After 16 years at Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Kyle Rhodus is faced with the fact that he doesn't have the same type of captive audience he had when serving 28,000 military members and their families in Japan.
"My biggest challenge here is getting people into the doors of our facilities. We're hosting great programs in the evenings and on weekends. We want people to come back to the installation after work for fitness events, dining events, and community events because we can do it as well as the commercial entities outside the gates," said Rhodus who arrived here the end of December.
When they arrived during the Christmas holiday Rhodus and his wife, Liz, and 13-year old son, Jaxson, were able to experience the Navy Gateway Inns and Suites (NGIS) at Herrmann Hall for a month while they house hunted. He said he looks forward to the completion of the $18 million renovation currently underway there because it will turn the NGIS property under his charge into a Navy flagship property.
"When the renovation is complete it will be the nicest NGIS property in the Navy," Rhodus said. "It has gone from a transient hotel to a focal point for military folks to stay and visit Monterey. You cannot beat the location or the amenities we provide."
A nine-time Ironman finisher and former mixed-martial arts fighter, Rhodus is responsible for events offered by the Monterey Bay Athletic Club, Monterey Pines Golf Course, community recreation department, and five food and beverage outlets. NSAM leadership is confident Rhodus is the right person for the job based on his skill and expertise.
"We absolutely selected the best candidate for this important position. We're looking forward to seeing how Kyle's skills and expertise can enhance our Quality of Life programs here," said NSAM Deputy Pete Dausen.
As Rhodus puts his brand on the department, he compared the differences between stateside and overseas Quality of Life programs.
"It's a much smaller community here and a good percentage of people are not using our facilities. We can't get lazy here because we aren't the only game in town. In Japan more people used base facilities because there weren't many options outside the gate and there often was a language barrier," Rhodus explained.
As if running a hotel, multiple dining and recreation facilities, and a child development center weren't enough, Rhodus is also responsible for the myriad services offered by the Fleet and Family Support Center.
"We support military members, their families and civilian employees with counseling, classes, and education," said Rhodus who is responsible for some 250 employees.
Rhodus, whose formal education includes a Masters of recreation administration and management from University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, knew he wanted to work for the Navy instead of college campus recreation after serving an internship at Naval Station Rota, Spain.
"After an internship at Rota I knew that's what I wanted to do because there I realized the importance of quality of life programs and giving back. I'm all about outstanding customer service, great programs, and excellent facilities," he said.
When the job at NSAM came open, Rhodus said it was a perfect opportunity to work for the Navy and have the campus experience to mesh his two recreational fields. At the end of the day, it is all about results.
"I like to see the immediate impacts of what I do. Monterey is an ideal place for me to decompress from the high pace at Yokosuka, and make an impact," Rhodus said.
The next big event for his recreation department?
"Super Bowl 51 in the Trident and El Prado Dining Room! Hope to see everyone there for quality food and beverages, great prizes, and good company," Rhodus said.