By Mr. Dusty Good
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A 2006 Westover High School graduate and Fayetteville, North Carolina, 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 India Pillow is an operations specialist.
A Navy operations specialist is normally responsible for observing other surface ships.
“I like that I get to socialize and communicate with other operations specialists on watches,” said Pillow. "I'm a social person so my job gives me the chance to do that."
Pillow credits her success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in her hometown of Fayetteville.
“Fayetteville is very diverse so I had to learn a lot of people skills,” said Pillow. "It taught me how to communicate with others."
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, Pillows most proud of making junior sailor of the quarter.
“Out of many sailors who work hard, I was recognized as the best,” said Pillow. "I had lunch with the admiral and got a coin which is a pretty cool accomplishment."
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Pillow has found reward in service.
“The Navy taught me to not be afraid to travel,” Pillow said. "Before the Navy I used to be sheltered and didn't want to explore the world but once I was in the Navy I learned how many great things there are to see."
A Navy operations specialist is normally responsible for observing other surface ships.
“I like that I get to socialize and communicate with other operations specialists on watches,” said Pillow. "I'm a social person so my job gives me the chance to do that."
Pillow credits her success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in her hometown of Fayetteville.
“Fayetteville is very diverse so I had to learn a lot of people skills,” said Pillow. "It taught me how to communicate with others."
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, Pillows most proud of making junior sailor of the quarter.
“Out of many sailors who work hard, I was recognized as the best,” said Pillow. "I had lunch with the admiral and got a coin which is a pretty cool accomplishment."
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Pillow has found reward in service.
“The Navy taught me to not be afraid to travel,” Pillow said. "Before the Navy I used to be sheltered and didn't want to explore the world but once I was in the Navy I learned how many great things there are to see."