Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Aircraft Handler 2nd Class Britani Parker is currently assigned to Air Operations department on board Naval Station (NAVSTA) Norfolk.
Parker is an essential member of Air Operations department. She takes care of the Sailors that work in the airfield and provides leadership guidance. Her nurturing personality is not just seen during her working hours, but also as she volunteers countless hours to the City of Norfolk Children’s Hospital of King’s Daughters.
Parker is an Assistant Command Fitness Leader (ACFL), Assistant Duty Section Leader, Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Air Operations CPR instructor and Assistant Leading Petty Officer for the Transient Line Division.
“When I was on an aircraft carrier my responsibility was to make sure propeller-engine aircraft and jet-engine aircraft were executing their missions safely and efficiently,” said Parker. “I directed the movement and managed all aircraft on the flight deck. This job can be stressful. We make sure it’s a safe environment while conducting flight operations. On Naval Station Norfolk I am not taking care of a flight deck but I am caring for Sailors and their families which can be as stressful but rewarding.”
Parker takes responsibility of her Sailors making sure they are able to focus on their daily assignment by helping them take care of administrative tasks.
“Parker is a leader,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Handler 1st Class Charniah Smrekar, Transient Line Division Leading Petty Officer. “She takes care of all the details that are needed around the office. She helps everyone in her division. She goes out of her way to make sure our Sailors are meeting their physical requirements, training and assists when they have personal matters to take care of.”
Parker’s helpful attitude carries over into her personal life.
“I volunteer with sick children,” said Parker. “I work with children who need long term care. They are in the hospital for an unknown amount of time because they need continual treatment. Once the child is done with their treatment I come in and I play with them. I am their friend and family. A sick child needs something to look forward to and I try to be that person.”
Parker wants to continue her career in the navy as an orthopedic surgeon. She completed her Associates Degree in Biology and plans to continue her education until she is able to practice medicine.
“I want to be a Medical Officer,” said Parker. “I want to continue my career in this field but I will never stop volunteering. I was born in Panama City, Panama in a poor community and I would like to build a hospital for the people of my town. I cannot sit around and do nothing now that I have a career.”
Parker stated her compassion for people is a part of who she is.
“My mother is a strong woman,” Parker said. “She left Panama and everyone she loves to make a better life for me. As a Latina, we are extremely close to our family. We are care takers and we love it. At the age of ten I threw a dollar out of the window because I saw a man digging through the garbage and I couldn’t just see him hungry without helping.”
Parker volunteered for a Global War On Terrorism Support Assignment (GSA) and will be deployed to the middle east area of responsibility later this year.
