Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A 2004 Eugene Ashley High School graduate and Wilmington, North Carolina, 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.
NORFOLK – A 2004 Eugene Ashley High School graduate and Wilmington, North Carolina, 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 engineering duty officer is normally responsible for building and maintaining surface ships.
“I like that my job allows me to grow my profession throughout my career,” said McGavran. "I become a jack of all trades and learn a lot about my job."
McGavran credits her success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in her hometown of Wilmington.
“Growing up in Wilmington taught me to stick with my morals,” said McGavran. "Morals and respect are the two biggest things I grew up with and use to this day."
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, McGavran is most proud of keeping ships operational.
“It's a small part that I play but I'm proud to be able to continue to contribute to the operational abilities of our ships,” said McGavran.
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, McGavran has found reward in service.
“The Navy has taught me the importance of tolerance,” McGavran said. "I grew up in a small town and now I've learned about others backgrounds and keep an open mind about others."