Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jackson Brown
NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN – Petty Officer 1st Class Monica Tretola, a North Bellmore, New York, native, joined the Navy wanting an adventure.
Now, 14 years later and half a world away at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Tretola serves at U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) / U.S. 5th fleet.
“The best part of being in the Navy is working with all the different people and fulfilling everyone's needs,” said Tretola.
Tretola, a graduate of Kellenberg Memorial, is a gunner’s mate at U.S. 5th Fleet, headquartered in Manama, Bahrain.
“The best part of being in the Navy is working with all the different people and fulfilling everyone's needs,” said Tretola.
Tretola, a graduate of Kellenberg Memorial, is a gunner’s mate at U.S. 5th Fleet, headquartered in Manama, Bahrain.
“Gunner’s mates handle weapons, ammo, training weapons and ammo handling,” said Tretola.
Tretola is a part of Task Force 56, which conducts expeditionary, mine countermeasures, explosive ordnance disposal, salvage diving, and force protection operations throughout the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.
Tretola credits success at U.S. 5th Fleet, and in the Navy, to many of the lessons learned in North Bellmore.
“I think what has stuck with me the most is learning to have thick skin,” said Tretola.
Tretola is a part of Task Force 56, which conducts expeditionary, mine countermeasures, explosive ordnance disposal, salvage diving, and force protection operations throughout the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.
Tretola credits success at U.S. 5th Fleet, and in the Navy, to many of the lessons learned in North Bellmore.
“I think what has stuck with me the most is learning to have thick skin,” said Tretola.
U.S. 5th Fleet directs naval operations to ensure maritime security and stability in the Central Region, which connects the Mediterranean Sea and Pacific Ocean through the western Indian Ocean. They work with partner nations to ensure freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in international waterways.
“I make sure everyone is good to go with their weapons and everyone is ready with training,” said Tretola.
The Navy’s U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of ocean, and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. This expanse, comprised of 20 countries, includes three critical choke points; the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.
“This is totally different from what I am used to,” said Tretola. “Being on a ship the rules are not easier but it is a different environment and you must abide by the rules of the host nation.”
Serving in the Navy means Tretola is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
A key element of the Navy is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
“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.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Tretola is most proud of training junior sailors to help them be good at their job and like what they are doing.
“I like that feeling I give to them to give them the calmness, encouragement and support they need,” said Tretola. “I like training and sharing knowledge. I will never steer you wrong.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Tretola and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing to the Navy the nation needs.
“The Navy is a new adventure everyday,”said Tretola.
“I make sure everyone is good to go with their weapons and everyone is ready with training,” said Tretola.
The Navy’s U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of ocean, and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. This expanse, comprised of 20 countries, includes three critical choke points; the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.
“This is totally different from what I am used to,” said Tretola. “Being on a ship the rules are not easier but it is a different environment and you must abide by the rules of the host nation.”
Serving in the Navy means Tretola is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
A key element of the Navy is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
“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.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Tretola is most proud of training junior sailors to help them be good at their job and like what they are doing.
“I like that feeling I give to them to give them the calmness, encouragement and support they need,” said Tretola. “I like training and sharing knowledge. I will never steer you wrong.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Tretola and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing to the Navy the nation needs.
“The Navy is a new adventure everyday,”said Tretola.