WASHINGTON, D.C. - A native of San Diego, California, is currently stationed in the nation’s capital serving with Naval Support Activity Washington.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Amber A. Weingart, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Petty Officer 3rd Class Patrick Souvannaleut attended Chaparral High School and graduated in 2015. Today, Souvannaleut uses skills and values similar to those learned in San Diego.
“The life lesson I have carried over from my hometown to my naval career is respect,” said Souvannaleut. "I have learned from my family to always respect others by showing them your best. You never know the issues that others are facing. Thus, how you treat them can make a difference in their spirit and emotional wellbeing."
These lessons continue to help Souvannaleut while serving in the military.
As the “Quarterdeck of the Navy” and the host of many of the Navy’s central efforts in support of warfighters around the world, Naval Support Activity Washington provides safety, security, and the best possible working environment to supported commanders and customers. Naval Support Activity Washington includes six installations: the Washington Navy Yard, Naval Support Facility Naval Research Laboratory, Naval Support Facility Suitland, Naval Support Facility U.S. Naval Observatory, Naval Support Facility Arlington, and Naval Support Facility Carderock.
The installations each have unique support missions and storied histories, For example, Washington Navy Yard is the Navy’s oldest Navy shore installation, and U.S. Naval Observatory houses the master clock which is the official source of the time for the Department of Defense and U.S. government, supporting public affairs, public works, public safety, community support, human resources, information technology, morale, welfare and recreation, supply, air and port operations, ceremonial support and environmental and safety.
Serving in the Navy means Souvannaleut is part of a team 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.
“The Navy helps keep the open waters safe from adversaries,” said Souvannaleut. "As a quartermaster, I assist the ship's navigator. It is my job to ensure the vessels travel to their destinations to accomplish the mission at hand in service to our defense."
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
Souvannaleut and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“My biggest accomplishment in my naval career is earning my Enlisted Surface Warfare Qualification,” said Souvannaleut. "This is significant because of all the hard work it entailed to earn it. I proved to myself that I am capable of doing amazing things in my future career in the Navy."
As Souvannaleut and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.“Serving in the Navy means a lot to me,” added Souvannaleut. "It gives me a special sense of pride to be a part of a bigger organization doing great things around the world. It is amazing to be part of those defining our national interests and security."