By Mr. Dusty Good
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A 2010 Monache High School graduate and Porterville, California, 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 Liliana Lopez is an information systems technician.
A Navy information systems technician is responsible for operating and maintaining the Navy’s satellite communications systems, mainframe computers, networks and computer systems used in the fleet.
“I like being able to talk with people from all over the world and helping people,” said Lopez. "I like being able to help sailors connect with family members back home when they are deployed."
Lopez credits her success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in her hometown of Porterville.
“Growing up in Porterville taught me to be honest and straightforward,” said Lopez. "It's made me more of a direct person and helped me 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, Lopez is most proud of learning under stress.
“I am the system administrator for the entire medical system aboard my ship,” said Lopez.
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Lopez has found reward in service.
“The Navy has taught me to learn as you go,” Lopez said. "You are not always going to know the answers and you need to be open to receiving information."
A Navy information systems technician is responsible for operating and maintaining the Navy’s satellite communications systems, mainframe computers, networks and computer systems used in the fleet.
“I like being able to talk with people from all over the world and helping people,” said Lopez. "I like being able to help sailors connect with family members back home when they are deployed."
Lopez credits her success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in her hometown of Porterville.
“Growing up in Porterville taught me to be honest and straightforward,” said Lopez. "It's made me more of a direct person and helped me 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, Lopez is most proud of learning under stress.
“I am the system administrator for the entire medical system aboard my ship,” said Lopez.
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Lopez has found reward in service.
“The Navy has taught me to learn as you go,” Lopez said. "You are not always going to know the answers and you need to be open to receiving information."