Seaman Theodore Flanc, a native of Huntington Station serves in Yokosuka, Japan aboard a forward-deployed U.S. Navy warship.
Flanc joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Flanc serves aboard U.S.S. Shiloh.
“I joined the Navy for career opportunities,” said Flanc.
Growing up in Huntington Station, Flanc attended Walt Whitman High School and graduated in 2014.
Today, Flanc relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Huntington Station to succeed in the military.
“I learned the importance of having a strong work ethic and being reliable,” said Flanc.
Modern U.S. Navy surface ships provide a wide range of warfighting capabilities in multi-threat air, surface and subsurface environments.
A Navy surface ship is capable of operating independently or as part of carrier strike groups, surface action groups or expeditionary strike groups.
Jobs aboard a U.S. Navy ship are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill, according to Navy officials. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times.
As a member of the Navy, Flanc is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy is important to national defense because we are always keeping our eyes out on the waterfront and protecting our country,” said Flanc.
Flanc serves in Japan as part of the Forward Deployed Naval Forces. These naval forces operate with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Service members in this region are part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, which has the largest area of responsibility in the world.
“As the largest force in our nation’s front line against revisionist actors, U.S. Pacific Fleet meets this great responsibility with strength, resolve and confidence,” said Adm. Samuel Paparo, U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander. “Together with our joint and combined partner operations, we are positioned to defend – across all domains – any attempts to threaten our nation, our allies and partner’s security, freedom and well-being.”
Flanc and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am proud of making it as far as I have so far,” said Flanc. “To me it’s a huge accomplishment.”
As Flanc and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“It gives me a chance to serve a higher purpose, to make myself useful to others and to have a sense of personal accomplishment,” said Flanc.
Flanc is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my family because they gave me the support I needed, even when I was still unsure about it,” added Flanc.
-Written by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jerry Jimenez, Navy Office of Community Outreach