By Mr. Dusty Good
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A 2015 Queens Metropolitan High School graduate and Manhattan, New York, 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 Brihanah Rivera is an interior communications electrician.
A Navy interior communications electrician is normally responsible for ship’s communication.
“I like that my job allows me to work with electronics,” said Rivera. "I like what I do and feel like I learn something new everyday."
Rivera credits her success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in her hometown of Manhattan.
“Growing up in Manhattan taught me to stick up for yourself and others if they need it,” said Rivera. "I use it in the Navy by helping out whenever I can and not being afraid to ask for help when I need it."
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, Rivera is most proud of earning a combat action ribbon.
“When I was on the USS San Antonio on my first deployment we got shot at off the coast of Yemen,” said Rivera. "It was scary in the moment but we came together as a team and I consider it a huge accomplishment."
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Rivera has found reward in service.
“The Navy has taught me that no matter the rank you can make a huge difference on the ship,” Rivera said. "It doesn’t matter if you are the highest rank or the lowest."
A Navy interior communications electrician is normally responsible for ship’s communication.
“I like that my job allows me to work with electronics,” said Rivera. "I like what I do and feel like I learn something new everyday."
Rivera credits her success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in her hometown of Manhattan.
“Growing up in Manhattan taught me to stick up for yourself and others if they need it,” said Rivera. "I use it in the Navy by helping out whenever I can and not being afraid to ask for help when I need it."
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, Rivera is most proud of earning a combat action ribbon.
“When I was on the USS San Antonio on my first deployment we got shot at off the coast of Yemen,” said Rivera. "It was scary in the moment but we came together as a team and I consider it a huge accomplishment."
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Rivera has found reward in service.
“The Navy has taught me that no matter the rank you can make a huge difference on the ship,” Rivera said. "It doesn’t matter if you are the highest rank or the lowest."