Photo By Lt.j.g. Erica Kobashigawa | Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station, Pacific (NCTAMS PAC) is...... read more read more
Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station, Pacific (NCTAMS PAC) is pleased to introduce Yeoman Second Class Samantha L. Ropero!
A native of Miami, Florida, Petty Officer Second Class Samantha Ropero graduated from Nova High School in 2016 and is currently working on her degree in Biomedical Science. Born to a family from Colombia, her biggest supporters are her mom, Luz, and brother, Alejandro. She decided to join the United States Navy to further her education and travel the world and she has taken full advantage of that opportunity.
Afloat, Petty Officer Ropero completed tours stationed aboard the Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71) and with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron SIX aboard USS NIMITZ (CVN-68). During her sea tours, she made three deployments - the first was to the Arabian Gulf in support of the U.S. FIFTH Fleet area of responsibility (AOR), the second, in support of Carrier Strike Group 9 operations to the U.S. SEVENTH Fleet AOR and third, to the Mediterranean Sea in support of operations in the U.S. THIRD Fleet AOR.
Petty Officer Ropero is currently assigned to NCTAMS PAC. She is the N11 Assistant Workcenter Supervisor, Command Evaluations Yeoman, and Plan of the Week Coordinator. Petty Officer Ropero’s personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (with Gold Stars) along with multiple unit and service awards. She is currently living on Oahu, Hawaii with her 2 dogs.
Petty Officer Ropero was recently selected by NCTAMS PAC and Naval Information Forces (NAVIFOR) to represent them at Miami Navy Week as part of the Fleet Outreach Ambassador Team (FLOAT). The Navy Week program has served as the Navy's principal outreach effort into areas of the nation without a significant Navy presence. The program is designed to share with Americans how their Navy is deployed around the world and around the clock, and why a strong Navy is vital to protecting the American way of life. Sailors selected as part of the FLOAT program are stellar performers and hometown heroes with ties to each Navy Week city.
Petty Officer Ropero’s experience in her own words:
“It was such an honor being picked by NAVIFOR for Miami Navy Week, it was an incredible experience. My most memorable moment was probably surprising my mom. I didn’t tell her I was coming for a work trip, so she thought I was still on island. My brother decided to join me on the surprise, which was amazing because he was the person who raised me my entire childhood and it’s been almost 10 years since we last saw each other so being reunited after so long was the best feeling. My favorite memory is being picked to sit courtside and warm-up with the Miami Heat. I actually asked the Miami Heat manager if I could invite my mom to sit courtside with me which he said yes to. It was such an experience being able to talk to the players and take tons of pictures. My mom and I were also interviewed for the news, and she kept thanking me for giving her a once in a lifetime opportunity of sitting courtside at her first ever basketball game. She recorded every second of the experience as any Hispanic mom would. Other moments I’ll remember forever is volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club, playing soccer with all the kids, and cleaning up South Beach with a huge group of volunteers. Tips for others who want to participate in the program: 1) Be outgoing, show that you want to actually be there and represent the Navy for Navy Week; 2) Pitch ideas you would like to see happen during your time there; 3) Be yourself but also step out of your comfort zone if you are not an extroverted person. They will give many great opportunities to those who seek it.”
| Date Taken: | 03.01.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 03.01.2023 15:17 |
| Story ID: | 439498 |
| Location: | HONOLULU, HAWAII, US |
| Web Views: | 147 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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