MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Chief Petty Officer Adrian Fernandez Figueroa, a native of Carolina, Puerto Rico, serving aboard USS Nantucket, will take part in a visit to Nantucket, Massachusetts, the ship’s namesake island, from Aug. 6-10.
During the visit, sailors will strengthen relationships with the local community by participating in a variety of community relations events. Some of the events will include visiting the Nantucket Whaling Museum, Sankaty Head Lighthouse and the Nantucket Anglers’ Club. Sailors are also scheduled to take a historical walking tour of the island, participate in a beach cleanup and visit Nantucket VFW Post 8608.
Fernandez Figueroa graduated from Escuela Lola Rodríguez de Tio in 2007 and studied chemistry for three years at Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico – Metro Campus.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Carolina.
“Growing up in Carolina, Puerto Rico, taught me the importance of family, hard work, resilience and embracing different cultures,” Fernandez Figueroa said. “Being part of that community helped me appreciate different perspectives and cultures, which has been invaluable throughout my Navy career. My family also taught me to treat everyone with respect, stay humble and persevere through challenges. Those values continue to guide me as a chief and as a leader.”
Fernandez Figueroa joined the Navy 15 years ago.
“I joined the Navy to build a stable future and stay debt-free while serving my country,” Fernandez Figueroa said. “I was also inspired to follow in the footsteps of my grandfather and my oldest brother, who taught me the value of service. The Navy has given me the opportunity to travel the world, grow as a leader and become a better person both professionally and personally.”
Today, Fernandez Figueroa serves as an operations specialist.
“What I enjoy most about being an operations specialist chief is that it is a ‘jack of all trades’ role,” Fernandez Figueroa said. “To be successful, you need to understand many different ratings and how they work together to accomplish the mission. I enjoy bringing those pieces together, coordinating across departments and ensuring our team is prepared to execute the mission safely and successfully.”
USS Nantucket is the fourth U.S. Navy ship to bear this namesake, dating back to 1863 when the first USS Nantucket, a Passaic-class single-turret monitor, was commissioned. The Passaic-class Nantucket supported the U.S. Navy’s South Atlantic Blockade and played a critical role during the Civil War. Manned by a crew of 86 officers and enlisted sailors, the newest USS Nantucket was commissioned in 2024 in Boston.
A littoral combat ship, USS Nantucket is a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed for operation in near-shore environments yet capable of open-ocean operation. It is designed to defeat asymmetric “anti-access” threats such as mines, quiet diesel submarines and fast surface craft. They are capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control and deterrence.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber-optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Fernandez Figueroa has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy has been earning the rank of chief petty officer,” Fernandez Figueroa said. “It represents years of hard work, dedication and perseverance. More importantly, it has given me the opportunity to mentor sailors, help them achieve their goals and make a lasting impact on their careers. Knowing I can positively influence the next generation of leaders is the accomplishment I value the most.”
Fernandez Figueroa serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means being part of something greater than myself,” Fernandez Figueroa said. “It is an opportunity to serve my country, protect our nation’s interests and make a positive impact on the lives of the sailors I lead. It has challenged me to grow both personally and professionally, and it has given me lifelong friendships, unforgettable experiences and a sense of purpose that I am proud to carry every day.”
Fernandez Figueroa is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity. For more information, visit: https://www.navy.mil/Navy-250/