By Kayla Turnbow, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Photo By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jesse Hawthorne
PEARL HARBOR – A Florida, Puerto Rico, native and 2014 West High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS O'Kane.
Seaman Fatima Colon-Sanchez is an operations specialist aboard the guided-missile destroyer operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
A Navy operations specialist is responsible for tracking surface and subsurface vessels on radar in order to know if there are any threats to the ship.
“I was taught to always be courteous when I was growing up,” said Colon-Sanchez. “In the Navy, I make sure to respect people who are not only higher rank than me, but everyone in general.”
A Navy operations specialist is responsible for tracking surface and subsurface vessels on radar in order to know if there are any threats to the ship.
“I was taught to always be courteous when I was growing up,” said Colon-Sanchez. “In the Navy, I make sure to respect people who are not only higher rank than me, but everyone in general.”
More than 300 sailors serve aboard the ship, and their jobs are highly specialized, requiring dedication and skill, according to Navy officials. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignment that keep the ship mission-ready at all times.
Fast, maneuverable, and technically advanced, destroyers provide credible combat power, at and from the sea.
"Our sailors in Pearl Harbor are doing an excellent job at warfighting and supporting the warfighter," said Cmdr. Hurd, chief staff officer, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. "Historically, Pearl Harbor is a symbolic base of sacrifice and resiliency. Today, on every Navy ship and shore facility's flag pole, the First Navy Jack, 'Don't Tread on Me,' flies reminding sailors to move forward and build on the history and legacy of this country and the U.S. Navy."
Navy guided-missile destroyers are multi-mission ships that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea, Navy officials explained. They are equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.
Challenging living conditions build strong fellowship among the crew. The crew is motivated, and can quickly adapt to changing conditions. It is a busy life of specialized work, watches and drills. Serving aboard a guided-missile destroyer instills accountability and toughness and fosters initiative and integrity.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Colon-Sanchez, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Colon-Sanchez is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My sister serves in the Navy as an avionics technician,” said Colon-Sanchez. “I joined before her but it helps us connect way more than we already did. It has made us closer to share this experience.”
Colon-Sanchez is also proud of earning recognition for participating in a burial at sea aboard O'Kane.
“Even though I didn't know the person who we were honoring, I felt honored to be a part of that experience,” said Colon-Sanchez.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Colon-Sanchez and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“For me, serving in the Navy means setting an example for women and Hispanics,” added Colon-Sanchez. “They can achieve great things, too. Just because we are the minority doesn't mean we cannot succeed.”
Fast, maneuverable, and technically advanced, destroyers provide credible combat power, at and from the sea.
"Our sailors in Pearl Harbor are doing an excellent job at warfighting and supporting the warfighter," said Cmdr. Hurd, chief staff officer, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. "Historically, Pearl Harbor is a symbolic base of sacrifice and resiliency. Today, on every Navy ship and shore facility's flag pole, the First Navy Jack, 'Don't Tread on Me,' flies reminding sailors to move forward and build on the history and legacy of this country and the U.S. Navy."
Navy guided-missile destroyers are multi-mission ships that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea, Navy officials explained. They are equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.
Challenging living conditions build strong fellowship among the crew. The crew is motivated, and can quickly adapt to changing conditions. It is a busy life of specialized work, watches and drills. Serving aboard a guided-missile destroyer instills accountability and toughness and fosters initiative and integrity.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Colon-Sanchez, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Colon-Sanchez is honored to carry on that family tradition.
“My sister serves in the Navy as an avionics technician,” said Colon-Sanchez. “I joined before her but it helps us connect way more than we already did. It has made us closer to share this experience.”
Colon-Sanchez is also proud of earning recognition for participating in a burial at sea aboard O'Kane.
“Even though I didn't know the person who we were honoring, I felt honored to be a part of that experience,” said Colon-Sanchez.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Colon-Sanchez and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“For me, serving in the Navy means setting an example for women and Hispanics,” added Colon-Sanchez. “They can achieve great things, too. Just because we are the minority doesn't mean we cannot succeed.”