By Mr. Dusty Good
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A 1989 Halifax County High School graduate and Halifax, Virginia, 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.
A Navy operations officer is responsible for overseeing ship’s schedules as they train for deployment.
“The best part about serving as operations officer is being able to improve the efficiency of ships achieving all of their required qualifications as they prepare for deployment,” said Rowland.
Rowland credits his success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Halifax.
“Growing up in Halifax taught me that hard work is always going to help,” said Rowland.
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, Rowland is most proud of being the commanding officer of the guided-missile frigate USS Curts.
“It was very rewarding working with the sailors on USS Curts and leading them to conduct various operations at sea,” said Rowland.
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Rowland has found reward in service.
“The Navy has given me so many leadership opportunities and has made me a better leader and a better person,” Rowland said.