By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steve Watterworth
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A 2008 Baldwin Park High School graduate and Baldwin Park, California, native is serving in the U.S. Navy at Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic (COMNAVSURFLANT), which is located on the largest Navy base in the world, Naval Station Norfolk.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Sosaia Faanunu is a religious program specialist.
A Navy religious program specialist is normally responsible for assisting chaplains in various clerical duties.
“I am able to assist sailors and Marines practice of their religious beliefs,” said Faanunu.
Faanunu credits her success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in her hometown of Baldwin Park.
“My hometown taught me to treat everyone equally, respect others’ beliefs, and work hard,” said Faanunu.
SURFLANT was established in 1975 to provide a central, East Coast command for the cruisers, destroyers, amphibious ships and other surface forces of the Navy’s Atlantic Fleet.
COMNAVSURFLANT is one of the six U.S. naval type commands. It was established in 1975 as a consolidation of the cruiser-destroyer, amphibious, and service forces of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. In addition to SURFLANT's nearly 70 ships, there are special mission and fleet support units that make up the more than 100 commands of the force. SURFLANT personnel are stationed stateside and forward deployed in Bahrain; Rota, Spain; and the Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System in Romania and Poland. Additionally, surface forces provide a critical element to drug interdiction operations in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific.
"To go in harm's way" in defense of the principles of freedom and democracy has been the rally call of surface force sailors for more than 200 years.
The command provides combat-ready surface forces for U.S. Fleet Forces Command and combatant commanders that are capable of conducting prompt, sustained naval, joint, and combined operations in support of United States national interests.
“My top priority is readiness. I’m extremely proud of the diverse group of sailors and civilians who serve at our command, they accept every challenge and serve with honor,” said Rear Adm. Jesse A. Wilson Jr., commander, Surfaces Forces Atlantic. “Together we are a team of warfighters who properly man, tactically train and effectively equip a force that is ready for the fight today and tomorrow.”
Though there are many ways for a sailor to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Faanunu is most proud of deployments to the 5th and 6th fleet area of responsibility.
“I’m proud of being able to do community relations projects in different countries,” said Faanunu. “You get to see how other cultures live.”
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Faanunu has found reward in service.
“The Navy has taught me the importance of embracing the diversity that is found through different cultures and belief systems,” Faanunu said.