Photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Gary Ward
PEARL HARBOR – A 2015 Evans High School graduate and Orlando, Florida, native is serving in the U.S. Navy as part of the world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise known as the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC).
A Navy logistics specialist is responsible for sending and receiving parts for the ship, and making requisitions for them.
Patterson is looking forward to applying the lessons learned from Orlando to working in the Navy.
“The most important lesson I learned growing up is to think before you speak,” said Patterson. “That allows me to assess any situation that comes before me in the Navy.”
As the world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring safety at sea and security on the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2018 is the 26th exercise in the series that began in 1971.
“I’m looking forward to the experience of RIMPAC and being able to learn about its mission,” said Patterson.
This is the first time Brazil, Israel, Sri Lanka and Vietnam are participating in RIMPAC. Additional firsts include New Zealand serving as sea combat commander and Chile serving as combined force maritime component commander. This is the first time a non-founding RIMPAC nation (Chile) will hold a component commander leadership position.
This year will also feature live firing of a Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) from a U.S. Air Force aircraft, surface to ship missiles by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, and a Naval Strike Missile (NSM) from a launcher on the back of a Palletized Load System (PLS) by the U.S. Army. This marks the first time a land based unit will participate in the live fire event during RIMPAC. RIMPAC 2018 will also include international band engagements and highlight fleet innovation during an Innovation Fair.
“I’m most proud of earning my Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal this year from my previous command,” said Patterson. “It shows that I’m passionate about what I do, and it recognizes my hard work.”
Twenty-seven nations, 49 surface ships, six submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel will participate in the biennial Rim of the Pacific Exercise. This year’s exercise includes forces from Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tonga, the United Kingdom, the United States and Vietnam.
“Sailors participating in this exercise, working with our Pacific allies, show the world the importance of working together providing the Navy the nation needs,” said Vice Adm. John D. Alexander, Commander, U.S. Third Fleet. “I’m honored to serve at sea with these men and women who make me proud every day. Americans can take great pride in their service knowing that they provide security at home while defending our national interests around the world.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Patterson and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“I’ve learned that I’m very patient, and that I’m a go-getter,” said Patterson. “The Navy has shown me that, and I never thought I was before.”
“Serving in the Navy means a lot to me because I have the opportunity to break barriers,” said Patterson. “My goal is to be the first African-American female MCPON, and the Navy allows me to have that goal if I work hard for it.”
Additional information about RIMPAC is available at http://www.cpf.navy.mil
Jeff Atwater is an avid fisherman and boating enthusiast. He is particularly interested in the environment and how to keep the planet safe.