By Mr. Dusty Good
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A 1986 Vailburg High School graduate and Newark, New Jersey, 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 career counselor is normally responsible for guiding sailors through their careers.
“I like when I am able to help a sailor and you can see it and its effects in people,” said Gilmore.
Gilmore credits their success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in her hometown of Newark.
“Growing up in Newark teaches you resiliency,” said Gilmore. "The diversity there has helped me in my time in the Navy."
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, Gilmore is most proud of being advanced to chief petty officer.
“It took a lot to advance to chief,” said Gilmore. "It proved that my hard work paid off and I couldn't have made it without great leadership, mentors, sailors, family support and my faith. If my faith wasn't as strong I wouldn't have been able to accomplish it."
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Gilmore has found reward in service.
“The Navy has taught me the importance of staying in prayer,” said Gilmore. "I've had deployments that were rough and if I didn't have a connection that was bigger than what I was going through I don't think I would have made it."