By Mr. Dusty Good
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A 2002 St. Joseph High School graduate and Coloma, Michigan, 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.
Lt. Cmdr. Josh Whitlow is a surface warfare officer.
A Navy surface warfare officer is normally responsible for command and control of surface ships.
“I like that my job gives me a chance to work with my sailors,” said Whitlow. "The variety of personalities and people are interesting."
Whitlow credits his success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Coloma.
“Coloma taught me the importance of having a strong work ethic,” said Whitlow. "I learned to do your best at your job and do it right."
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, Whitlow is most proud of seeing most of his division advance in rate during the second tour.
“Seeing that the sailors are learning and improving makes me proud,” said Whitlow. "I get to be a part of their professional development."
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Whitlow has found reward in service.
“The Navy taught me how to be flexible and work with a wide variety of people,” said Whitlow. "Everyone has a different way to approach a problem and they can all work."
A Navy surface warfare officer is normally responsible for command and control of surface ships.
“I like that my job gives me a chance to work with my sailors,” said Whitlow. "The variety of personalities and people are interesting."
Whitlow credits his success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Coloma.
“Coloma taught me the importance of having a strong work ethic,” said Whitlow. "I learned to do your best at your job and do it right."
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, Whitlow is most proud of seeing most of his division advance in rate during the second tour.
“Seeing that the sailors are learning and improving makes me proud,” said Whitlow. "I get to be a part of their professional development."
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Whitlow has found reward in service.
“The Navy taught me how to be flexible and work with a wide variety of people,” said Whitlow. "Everyone has a different way to approach a problem and they can all work."