By Mr. Dusty Good
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A 2009 Ronald Reagan High School graduate and San Antonio, Texas, native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Expeditionary Strike Group 2 (ESG 2).
A Navy engineering duty officer is responsible for maintenance and availability of surface ships.
“I like that my job provides me with the overall ability to ensure the readiness of the surface ships are at their top performance,” said Strong.
Revel credits her success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in her hometown of San Antonio.
“My hometown taught me the impertinence of diversity,” said Strong. "Whereever you are, you learn to adapt and overcome."
ESG 2 was in 2007 as an integrated Navy and Marine Corps headquarters staff of 76 personnel and 23 subordinate commands. The mission of the command is to provide timely, operational, amphibious expertise in support of national tasking to sustain maritime security and defense of the nation.
“I like that serving here gives me the ability to work with different stakeholders,” said Strong. "We have a lot of ships under this command so you are always dealing with something different."
Though there are many ways for a sailor to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Revel is most proud of seeing her sailors achieve success.
“I feel as a leader it's never about me, it's about my people,” said Strong. "When I see them exceling, I know I am doing my job."
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Strong has found reward in service.
“The Navy has taught me that understanding is never about yourself,” Strong said. "The mission and the people that you are dealing with are always more important than just yourself."