By Mr. Dusty Good
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A 2004 New Hope High School graduate and Columbus, Mississippi, 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 1st Class Veronica Watkins is a legalman.
A Navy legalman is normally responsible as a paralegal to Navy lawyers.
“I like that my job allows me to help sailors,” said Watkins. "I am a nurturer and a lot of times new sailors come into the Navy and don't know what's going on, so being able to help them is a highlight of my job."
Watkins credits their success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in her hometown of Columbus.
“I learned to follow my dreams growing up,” said Watkins. "Don't let what's in front of you dictate what you are going to be."
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, Watkins is most proud of earning her degree.
“I actually get to use my degree in my job everyday,” said Watkins. "I'm working towards my master's right now. So I get to help sailors achieve their goals."
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Watkins has found reward in service.
“The Navy taught me the importance of integrity,” Watkins said. "To do the right thing even when no one is looking."
A Navy legalman is normally responsible as a paralegal to Navy lawyers.
“I like that my job allows me to help sailors,” said Watkins. "I am a nurturer and a lot of times new sailors come into the Navy and don't know what's going on, so being able to help them is a highlight of my job."
Watkins credits their success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in her hometown of Columbus.
“I learned to follow my dreams growing up,” said Watkins. "Don't let what's in front of you dictate what you are going to be."
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, Watkins is most proud of earning her degree.
“I actually get to use my degree in my job everyday,” said Watkins. "I'm working towards my master's right now. So I get to help sailors achieve their goals."
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Watkins has found reward in service.
“The Navy taught me the importance of integrity,” Watkins said. "To do the right thing even when no one is looking."