NORFOLK, Va. – Lt. Cmdr. James Santoro, a native of Pembroke Pines, Florida, serves aboard USS Wasp, a U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship operating out of Norfolk, Virginia.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Mark Pena, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East |
Santoro graduated from Charles W. Flanagan High School in 2005. Additionally, Santoro graduated from Florida State University with degrees in criminology and geology in 2008.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Pembroke Pines.
“Junior ROTC was my biggest influence,” Santoro said. “It shaped how I viewed the Navy and life, teaching me how to be a productive member of society. My hometown also instilled those values in me, which have guided my Navy career.”
Santoro joined the Navy 15 years ago. Today, Santoro serves as a ship's intelligence officer.
“I joined the Navy to lead and mentor sailors, and to see them accomplish their goals and succeed,” Santoro said. “I also love the history and tradition of the Navy, and I wanted to be a part of it.”
Amphibious assault ships, such as USS Wasp, project power and maintain presence by serving as the cornerstone of the Amphibious Readiness Group / Expeditionary Strike Group.
Resembling a small aircraft carrier, amphibious assault ships offer the Marine Corps with a means of ship-to-shore movement, provide humanitarian assistance and support major combat operations. More than 1,000 serve aboard USS Wasp with an additional 1,200 Marines capable of being embarked.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Santoro has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My greatest accomplishment is my two sons,” Santoro said. “I’m proud that they are alive and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to teach them and mentor them into the men I want them to be. I’m excited to see what they can do with their lives.”
Santoro serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means patriotism and an extreme sense of responsibility to the United States of America,” Santoro said. “It’s an honor and privilege to serve in the Navy, especially because its history and the values of honor, courage and commitment align with my own views.”
Santoro is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents, and especially my wife, because she serves just as much as I have through multiple deployments,” Santoro added. “Her sacrifices should be regarded just as much as mine.”