By Mr. Dusty Good
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A 1994 John F. Kennedy High School graduate and Clifton, New Jersey, 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 Daiana Padilla is a yeoman.
A Navy yeoman is normally responsible for administrative duties.
“Our job is very important because we are ensuring that the right regulations and paperwork get out to the fleet and ensure the safety and security of sailors around the world,” said Padilla.
Padilla credits her success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in her hometown of Clifton.
“My hometown taught me resilience and how to survive,” said Padilla. "It has helped me in my military service."
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, Padilla is most proud of being promoted to petty officer 2nd class in two years.
“I proved to myself that I could accomplish something that is very difficult,” said Padilla. "It was achieving a personal goal."
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Padilla has found reward in service.
“The Navy made me realize the sacrifice that being in the military is,” Padilla said. "You don't realize until you serve, what being away from your family really means and how difficult it is."
A Navy yeoman is normally responsible for administrative duties.
“Our job is very important because we are ensuring that the right regulations and paperwork get out to the fleet and ensure the safety and security of sailors around the world,” said Padilla.
Padilla credits her success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in her hometown of Clifton.
“My hometown taught me resilience and how to survive,” said Padilla. "It has helped me in my military service."
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, Padilla is most proud of being promoted to petty officer 2nd class in two years.
“I proved to myself that I could accomplish something that is very difficult,” said Padilla. "It was achieving a personal goal."
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Padilla has found reward in service.
“The Navy made me realize the sacrifice that being in the military is,” Padilla said. "You don't realize until you serve, what being away from your family really means and how difficult it is."