By Mr. Dusty Good
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A 2004 Reid Ross Classical 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 1st Class Philip Flanagan is an information systems technician.
A Navy information systems technician is normally responsible for network security and communications aboard ships.
“I get to work with what I love,” said Flanagan. "I've turned my hobby into work."
Flanagan credits his success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Fayetteville.
“Growing up I learned to respect and appreciate your teachers because you'll need to use what you've been taught,” said Flanagan. "It's made me more humble to take orders and be able to apply training to my job."
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, Flanagan is most proud of achieving the rank of petty officer 1st class in five years.
“I've met very few people who have been able to make rank as fast as me,” said Flanagan. "One of my goals was to come in and make chief because my father never did and now I have plenty of time to do that."
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Flanagan has found reward in service.
“The Navy has taught me the importance of putting the mission and shipmates first,” Flanagan said. "It's helped me take a step back and become a better leader."
A Navy information systems technician is normally responsible for network security and communications aboard ships.
“I get to work with what I love,” said Flanagan. "I've turned my hobby into work."
Flanagan credits his success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Fayetteville.
“Growing up I learned to respect and appreciate your teachers because you'll need to use what you've been taught,” said Flanagan. "It's made me more humble to take orders and be able to apply training to my job."
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, Flanagan is most proud of achieving the rank of petty officer 1st class in five years.
“I've met very few people who have been able to make rank as fast as me,” said Flanagan. "One of my goals was to come in and make chief because my father never did and now I have plenty of time to do that."
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Flanagan has found reward in service.
“The Navy has taught me the importance of putting the mission and shipmates first,” Flanagan said. "It's helped me take a step back and become a better leader."