By Mr. Dusty Good
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A 1992 Madison County High School graduate and Madison, Florida, 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.
Master Chief Petty Officer Adam Devries is a personnel specialist.
A Navy personnel specialist is normally responsible for human resources.
“I like that my job allows me to help sailors,” said Devries. "When there is a complicated issue I like being able to resolve that issue and have sailors taken care of."
Devries credits his success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Madison.
“Madison taught me respect for my elders,” said Devries. "I joined as the lowest rank and everyone was senior to me, so kindness goes a long way no matter the rank."
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, Devries is most proud of being promoted to master chief petty officer.
“I never thought I would make master chief,” said Devries. "Only one percent of the Navy are master chiefs and in my job I'm one of 24 in the entire Navy."
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Devries has found reward in service.
“The Navy has taught me that even though it's not your plan it may be the plan,” Devries said. "Sometimes not getting what you want is okay. Getting what you need is a little more important."
A Navy personnel specialist is normally responsible for human resources.
“I like that my job allows me to help sailors,” said Devries. "When there is a complicated issue I like being able to resolve that issue and have sailors taken care of."
Devries credits his success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Madison.
“Madison taught me respect for my elders,” said Devries. "I joined as the lowest rank and everyone was senior to me, so kindness goes a long way no matter the rank."
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, Devries is most proud of being promoted to master chief petty officer.
“I never thought I would make master chief,” said Devries. "Only one percent of the Navy are master chiefs and in my job I'm one of 24 in the entire Navy."
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Devries has found reward in service.
“The Navy has taught me that even though it's not your plan it may be the plan,” Devries said. "Sometimes not getting what you want is okay. Getting what you need is a little more important."