MSC Far East Sailor of the Year Focused on Learning, Leading

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Gregory Johnson | Military Sealift Command Far East recently selected Petty Officer Francisco Fuentes as its Sailor of the Quarter. The Los Angeles native is known for his incessant desire to learn and lead. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer First Class Gregory Johnson)  

U.S. 7TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY

05.18.2021

Story by Leslie Hull-Ryde 

Military Sealift Command Far East

Military Sealift Command Far East’s Sailor of the Quarter believes “leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”

That statement is what one former naval officer planned to say during a speech in Dallas in 1963.

President John F. Kennedy, who served in the Navy for four years, didn’t get to deliver his speech and share those thoughts as anticipated on Nov. 23, 1963.

But, Petty Officer Francisco Fuentes, MSC FE’s Sailor of the Quarter, January – March 2021, ensures the president’s sentiment endures as it reflects Fuentes’ approach to professional and personal development.

“[Petty Officer Fuentes] immersed himself in every opportunity to learn and has made his mark as a professional and steadfast Sailor,” said Cmdr. John Tinetti, operations officer for MSC FE.

“His lead-from-the-front style is evident.”

Fuentes joined the MSC FE team in October and has soaked up knowledge ever since. His passion for education has already paid off, not just for him, but the command as well.

In just three months, he qualified as battle watch officer for Task Force 73.

“What gratifies me the most is knowing I am able to do a job well and in a timely manner, with the help of my coworkers,” Fuentes said.

The teamwork of his shipmates complements the knowledge he acquires, wherever he’s stationed. Whether on MSC ships, like USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) or USS Frank Cable (AS 40), aboard USS John S. McCain (DDG 56), or at shore commends, Fuentes applies his experience, expertise and education to quickly assimilate into his roles and responsibilities.

As a visual information specialist for CTF 73, he coordinates and evaluates the readiness of more than 40 Military Sealift Command vessels operating in the vast Indo-Pacific Region. As an assistant boarding officer for MSC FE, Fuentes schedules the port loading of several Combat Logistics Fleet assets. He leads multinational meetings to prioritize requirements and track logistics requests that ensure MSC ships maintain their readiness and U.S. Navy and international partners’ ships are replenished with critical supplies.

“[Petty Officer Fuentes] possesses a remarkable ability to compartmentalize and multi-task several different and demanding jobs while maintaining his composure and reliability,” said Tinetti.

Needless to say, Fuentes is rather busy and has to meticulously manage his time. Yet, he does it all successfully and chooses to take on more.

“I can’t just sit still,” said the boatswain’s mate first class from Los Angeles.

When not on duty, Fuentes attends the University of Maryland Global Campus. Although he already has a Bachelor of Science in engineering from the University of South Florida, he’s now working on his MBA.

“I’m always up for taking on new challenges and running with them,” Fuentes said.

“I know there is a lot more to learn, and I am looking forward to it.”

• Date Taken: 05.18.2021
• Date Posted: 05.18.2021 05:33
• Story ID: 396648
• Location: U.S. 7TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY
• Hometown: LOS ANGELES, CA, US