By Mr. Dusty Good
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A Metairie, Louisiana, 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.
Chief Petty Officer Dave Dennis is a personnel specialist.
A Navy personnel specialist is normally responsible for human resources.
“I enjoy that my job allows me to help people solve problems,” said Dennis. "Pay, family emergencies, change in family status, we handle all of that and help guide them in their careers."
Dennis credits his success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Metairie.
“My hometown taught me to never judge a book by its cover,” said Dennis. "In the Navy I've used that to accept that we are all the same in the Navy and we all work together."
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, Dennis is most proud of being promoted to chief petty officer.
“Making chief is a personal accomplishment but you don't get there just by yourself,” said Dennis. "I put more effort into others than myself and their success is my personal accomplishment."
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Dennis has found reward in service.
“The Navy has taught me the importance of picking your battles,” Dennis said. "Sometimes when you’re right you are still going to be wrong so you have to always focus on the big picture."
A Navy personnel specialist is normally responsible for human resources.
“I enjoy that my job allows me to help people solve problems,” said Dennis. "Pay, family emergencies, change in family status, we handle all of that and help guide them in their careers."
Dennis credits his success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Metairie.
“My hometown taught me to never judge a book by its cover,” said Dennis. "In the Navy I've used that to accept that we are all the same in the Navy and we all work together."
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, Dennis is most proud of being promoted to chief petty officer.
“Making chief is a personal accomplishment but you don't get there just by yourself,” said Dennis. "I put more effort into others than myself and their success is my personal accomplishment."
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Dennis has found reward in service.
“The Navy has taught me the importance of picking your battles,” Dennis said. "Sometimes when you’re right you are still going to be wrong so you have to always focus on the big picture."