By Mr. Dusty Good
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A 1994 First Colonial High School graduate and Virginia Beach, Virginia, 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.
Lt. Cmdr. Tucker Pavlik is a surface warfare officer.
A Navy surface warfare officer is normally responsible for maintaining and operating surface ships.
“My job gives me the opportunity to work on multiple types of ships,” said Pavlik. "I like being able to lead junior sailors."
Pavlik credits his success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Virginia Beach.
“My hometown taught me the hospitality is important,” said Pavlik. "It's always good to welcome visitors and guests."
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, Pavlik is most proud of carrying on the family tradition of serving in the Navy.
“My father was in the Navy and my older brother is still in the Navy,” said Pavlik. "The Navy has become a part of my family’s legacy."
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Pavlik has found reward in service.
“The Navy has taught me that being consistent with your lifestyle and actions is key to being successful,” Pavlik said.
A Navy surface warfare officer is normally responsible for maintaining and operating surface ships.
“My job gives me the opportunity to work on multiple types of ships,” said Pavlik. "I like being able to lead junior sailors."
Pavlik credits his success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Virginia Beach.
“My hometown taught me the hospitality is important,” said Pavlik. "It's always good to welcome visitors and guests."
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, Pavlik is most proud of carrying on the family tradition of serving in the Navy.
“My father was in the Navy and my older brother is still in the Navy,” said Pavlik. "The Navy has become a part of my family’s legacy."
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Pavlik has found reward in service.
“The Navy has taught me that being consistent with your lifestyle and actions is key to being successful,” Pavlik said.