By Mr. Dusty Good
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A Rockledge, 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.
A Navy religious program specialist is normally responsible for administrative aspects of religious programs as well as chaplain protection.
“My job gives me unique experiences,” said Piriz. "We don't just stay in one place. We bounce around to a lot of ships and get to meet and make an extended family."
Piriz credits his success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Rockledge.
“Growing up in Rockledge taught me that if you live a boring life you will only tell boring stories,” said Piriz. "It's the way I live my life."
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, Piriz is most proud of joining the Navy.
“It took me a long time to get myself into standards to be able to be eligible to join,” said Piriz. "My recruiter worked with me to get me into standards and I made it into the Navy."
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Piriz has found reward in service.
“The Navy has taught me that everyone has their own story,” Piriz said. "You might see one person and they act a certain way and another person may not like they way they do things, but you have to understand another's reason why they are the way they are."