Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Senior Chief Gary Ward
NORFOLK, Va. – A Guayaquil, Guayas, Ecuador native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason.
Navy Lt. j.g Johnny Quintong is a supply officer aboard the warship, based in Norfolk, Virginia. USS Mason is named after Secretary of the Navy John Young Mason and Distinguished Flying Cross Recipient Ensign Newton Henry Mason.A Navy supply officer is responsible for supply management, inventory control, postal management, disbursement, finances, and whatever the ship needs to complete the mission.
“I like all aspects of what I do," Quintong said. "My job is very diverse.”
Quintong credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Ecuador.
“Growing up in Ecuador established a foundation for my values and principles," Quintong said. "I learned to be grateful for what I had. This mindset gives me a greater appreciation for my life in the United States and the Navy. I believe in working towards your goals and realizing that things are not just given to you. If you earn what you have, you will have a greater respect for it.”
U.S. Navy sailors, like Quintong, are stationed both stateside and on the high seas aboard surface ships around the world. USS Mason is one of more than 60 ships on the east coast of the United States as part of Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Atlantic Fleet.
U.S. Navy ships are deployed globally, and their presence helps the Navy control the sea. Sea control is vital to project power, secure common areas, deter aggression and assure allies when and where desired.
Due to its extensive combat capability, the Mason is able to fire Tomahawk Cruise Missiles and other weapons as part of sustained combat operations against targets on and below the sea, in addition to hitting targets hundreds of miles over the land.
The ship is equipped with the Aegis Combat System, which integrates the ship’s electronic sensors and weapons systems to defend against anti-ship missile threats. The ship’s air search and fire control radar provides continuous search and tracking of hundreds targets simultaneously.
The crew of more than 300 sailors build a strong fellowship while working alongside each other. The sailors are highly motivated, and quickly adapt to changing conditions as part of a busy life of specialized work, watches and drills.
“I appreciate the diversity of the crew," Quintong said. "They become like family and are always there to help and assist others. No matter what kind of job you have, you will always need other sailors. Everyone is dependent on one another.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Quintong is most proud of receiving a supply management certification as well as his field examination group audit.
“These certifications let the crew know they can depend on me and my department," Quintong said. "It also means that we're deployment ready.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Quintong and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes, one that will provide a critical component of the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy is a blessing more than anything," Quintong added. "I feel like I'm giving back to the country that welcomed me as an immigrant. I believe I am a part of something bigger than myself.”