Photo By Sgt. Emily Kirk | PUERTO CORTES, Honduras (Nov. 4, 2022) Seaman Willian Marrero Torres, center, assigned...... read more read more
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Hurricane Maria brought devastation to Puerto Rico and the region in 2017. The hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) was part of a whole-of-government response effort and assisted the Federal Emergency Management Agency in helping those affected. That was Bayamon, Puerto Rico native, SN William Marrero Torres’ first, but definitely not last, interaction with Comfort.
“That was the first time I saw the ship and I’d never seen anything like it before,” said Marrero Torres. “It made me think what more can I do with my life. I was already helping people with the state command, but I promised to do more, to give back to the people in a bigger way.”
Marrero Torres was a member of the Puerto Rico State Guard, a volunteer civilian network working alongside the Puerto Rico National Guard, for 10 years. Joining the U.S. armed forces was a life goal of his, initially planning on joining a different branch of service. Seeing Comfort and its impact amplified Marrero Torres’ ambitions—driving him to push harder to improve his education enabling him to pass the military entrance exam. In 2021, the tides changed in his favor and he qualified to enlist in the Navy.
“Things changed and I was able to enroll into the Navy,” said Marrero Torres. “It took me more than nine years to get here and that’s why I’m so passionate.”
Marrero Torres enlisted as an undesignated Seaman in 2022 and could have received countless assignments to begin his service. However, he received orders to Comfort for his first duty station.
“I never thought I’d join the Navy,” said Marrero Torres. “Now, I’m assigned to the same ship that motivated me to join the service, it’s a one in a million chance.”
Comfort is currently supporting Continuing Promise 2022, a humanitarian assistance and goodwill mission conducting direct medical care, expeditionary veterinary care, and subject matter expert exchanges with five partner nations in the Caribbean, Central and South America. While acknowledging the intensions of the mission on the surface, he has gotten the most fulfillment this deployment from seeing how deeply impacted citizens and medical patients are by the mission.
“When I talk to someone, I don’t ask them just how they are doing, I ask about them as a person, about their life and family. That really makes a difference,” said Marrero Torres. “People open up, show you their lives, welcome you to their hometown and want you to feel comfortable.”
Being from Puerto Rico, Marrero Torres has lived through natural disaster and worked directly with Comfort giving him a relatable vulnerability to citizens of partner nations. His Spanish speaking background allows him to facilitate interaction with the local governments and citizens. Marrero Torres serves an executive aide, working directly with the Commanding Officer, Executive Officer, and Command Senior Chief aboard Comfort. He supports the command with Spanish translations, helping the local community understand the intentions of the mission and the assistance offered.
“Everyone has their reason for joining the military and for some, they have to find their way,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Sammy Young, administrative department lead petty officer. “But for him, he has made an impact since day one. He’s very driven, very passionate. For the triad to lean on him knowing his backstory, makes him a highly valuable asset on this mission.”
Continuing Promise 2022 reflects the United States’ enduring promise of friendship, partnership, and solidarity with the Americas. Marrero Torres is a sailor who can establish commonality, relatability, and comfort in the lives of those this mission impacts.
“I can relate to the people I talk to during the mission stops,” said Marrero Torres. “I can feel their pain and their happiness at the same time. It’s about really listening to people and showing them you care.”
Learn more about USNAVSO/4th Fleet at
https://www.facebook.com/NAVSOUS4THFLT and @NAVSOUS4THFLT
| Date Taken: | 11.25.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 12.05.2022 11:11 |
| Story ID: | 434500 |
| Location: | CARIBBEAN SEA |
| Web Views: | 157 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, CONTINUING A PROMISE, by Sgt Emily Kirk, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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