By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steve Watterworth
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A 2005 Libre De Musica De San Juan High School graduate and San Juan, Puerto Rico, 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 culinary specialist is normally responsible for all food service operations afloat and on shore.
“I get to cook for an admiral creating new things,” said Mojica. “My food helps create a comfortable atmosphere.”
Mojica credits his success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of San Juan.
“You create your own future,” said Mojica. “My mom engraved in my brain that you get what you work for.”
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, Mojica is most proud of serving in Iraq.
“I will always put my life in the hands of the friends I made in Iraq,” said Mojica.
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Mojica has found reward in service.
“The best assets the Navy have are the sailors,” Mojica said.