By Mr. Dusty Good
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A 2012 West Bloomfield High School graduate and Detroit, 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.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Torri Wells is a yeoman.
A Navy yeoman is normally responsible for administrative duties.
“I like that my job allows me to see how happy people are when I process their paperwork correctly,” said Wells.
Wells credits her success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in her hometown of Detroit.
“Growing up I learned that respect is everything,” said Wells. "It will take you far as long as you are respectful."
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, Wells is most proud of being meritoriously promoted to 3rd class petty officer.
“I was a prior electricians mate so I put in a lot of work to earn that advancement,” said Wells. "It shows that hard work pays off."
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Wells has found reward in service.
“The Navy has taught me that sometimes you have to put your pride to the side,” Wells said. "If you put it to the side you will be able to see the bigger picture."
A Navy yeoman is normally responsible for administrative duties.
“I like that my job allows me to see how happy people are when I process their paperwork correctly,” said Wells.
Wells credits her success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in her hometown of Detroit.
“Growing up I learned that respect is everything,” said Wells. "It will take you far as long as you are respectful."
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, Wells is most proud of being meritoriously promoted to 3rd class petty officer.
“I was a prior electricians mate so I put in a lot of work to earn that advancement,” said Wells. "It shows that hard work pays off."
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Wells has found reward in service.
“The Navy has taught me that sometimes you have to put your pride to the side,” Wells said. "If you put it to the side you will be able to see the bigger picture."