U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian T. Glunt
PEARL HARBOR – A Santa Clarita, California, native and 2015 Saugus High graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided-missile cruiser, USS Port Royal.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Eric Pieropan has served in the Navy for three years and is a U.S. Navy fire controlman aboard guided-missile cruiser operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. A Navy fire controlman, Pieropan is responsible for defending the ship from missiles and deploying weapon systems if needed.
Pieropan credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Santa Clarita.
“I was taught the importance of integrity and patience," said Pieropan. "I was also taught to think before speaking.”
Approximately 300 men and women serve aboard the ship. According to Navy officials, their jobs are highly specialized and keep each part of the cruiser running smoothly. They do everything from maintaining gas turbine engines and operating the highly sophisticated Aegis weapons system to driving the ship and operating small boats.
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Pieropan is most proud of being the work center supervisor of an engineering division.
“It’s a big accomplishment because I am not an engineer and usually work center supervisors are second class petty officers and above,” said Pieropan.
A Navy cruiser is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea Navy officials explained. The ship is equipped with a vertical launching system, tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons systems.
Being stationed in Pearl Harbor, often referred to as the gateway to the Pacific in defense circles, means Pieropan is serving in a part of the world taking on a new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances, and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
The Navy has been pivotal in helping maintain peace and stability in the Pacific region for decades. The Pacific is home to more than 50 percent of the world's population, many of the world's largest and smallest economies, several of the world's largest militaries, and many U.S. allies.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Pieropan and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes, one that will provide a critical component of the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy gives me a feeling of pride that I am serving my country,” added Pieropan.