Souda Spotlight: Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Rebecca Brook

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Delaney Jensen | Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Rebecca Brook, Port Operations, NATO Marathi Pier Complex, assigned to Naval Support Activity (NSA) Souda Bay, poses for a portrait outside of the air terminal. NSA Souda Bay is an operational ashore installation which enables and supports U.S., Allied, Coalition, and Partner nation forces to preserve security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Delaney S. Jensen /Released)  

SOUDA BAY, GREECE

09.27.2022

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Delaney Jensen 

U.S. Naval Support Activity Souda Bay

Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Rebecca Brook, a native of Tampa, Fla., joined the Navy in August 2012 and arrived at NSA Souda Bay in April 2021. She works in Port Operations at the NATO Marathi Pier Complex. Brook has been in the Navy for more than 10 years and is the third generation in her family to join the military. She was the NSA Souda Bay’s Sailor of the Quarter for the third quarter in 2022. She was also the Honor Boatswain for the change of command in July 2022.
What do you do at NSA Souda Bay?
I'm the Port Ops LPO, and our primary job here is oil spill prevention. So, when a U.S. ship pulls in we put an oil barrier boom around the ship. If the ship were to leak, the oil would be contained
Besides the oil spill prevention, we also have harbor patrol boats that provide for high value assets. The additional security allows assets that have reactors—like submarines and aircraft carriers—to be pier side. We can support pretty much anything that comes in, which is a great benefit to the Fleet.
What role does your department play for NSA Souda Bay?
Port Ops is on call 24/7 in case of an oil spill. We have a duty crew that stays within a reaction time of 30 minutes. They would be first on scene to evaluate. So we are constantly on standby.
As the LPO in Port OPs, how well does your team work together?
The team is really good. They really love driving the boats. You can see the passion in their eyes when they go out there, and they get to learn. For example, during Facility Response Training drills, a lot of them really stepped up to learn the maneuvers and everything, so they have the knowledge. They like to learn.
What is your favorite thing about the work you do at NSA Souda Bay?
The view really! The view is crazy, especially in the winter time when we are out on the water. The white caps on the mountains right there and the scenery is nice.
How do you like working with the Port Ops team in Souda Bay?
Our team in Port Ops works pretty well together. They have learned how to communicate with each other really well. If one person doesn't know then the next one does. They are all really good about asking for help when it is needed, and we all just work really well together.
What are your long-term career goals?
Listen, I just want to make BM1. It is a huge goal for any E-5. I am also a junior in college, currently studying for a Bachelor's degree in data science. I can code Python now, so that's a fun fact.
When not at work, how do you spend your free time?
I often stay home to do homework, but I just took up yoga. I'm trying to ease my mind and have good stress management.
What is something you enjoy about living in Greece and/or something you have learned about Greece since living here?
Something that is interesting is that they have an olive oil season. Most places have rainy season, but they have olive oil season and the roads are just as slippery.

• Date Taken: 09.27.2022
• Date Posted: 10.11.2022 07:19
• Story ID: 431050
• Location: SOUDA BAY, GR
• Hometown: TAMPA, FLORIDA, US