Photo By LaShawn Sykes | NORFOLK, Va. (April 14, 2022) ENS Rosvelly Medina served as one of two tactical...... read more read more
NORFOLK, Va. (April 14, 2022) Born and raised in New York City, I joined the United States Navy in 2008 after graduating John Jay College of Criminal Justice. For the next 12 years, I served in the enlisted ranks as a Master-at-Arms, responsible for the Navy's Security Force, also known as the Navy’s military police. MAs play an essential Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection and Law Enforcement role at shore and at sea for all Navy fleets. Since I enlisted during a time of war (Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan), representing the bravery, strength, and valor of the American Armed Forces was and will always be the source of my motivation to serve at home and abroad regardless of the platform, whether its air, land, or sea.
In 2020, I commissioned as a Limited Duty Officer (LDO) with the US Navy Reserves, and I joined Military Sealift Command (MSC) Headquarters in Norfolk, Va., in 2021. As a Security LDO by trade, I serve primarily as a Tactical Advisor for MSC Headquarters. I was selected for commissioning based on my technical skill set and subject matter expertise within the security field. LDOs perform tasks similar to those of warrant officers (WO). However, the formal definition and differences are subtle, focusing on the degree of authority, leadership, and level of responsibility, as well as the breadth of required expertise.
I am honored and humbled to serve my country and the US Navy Reserves.
What is your name, title, and what role do you serve as a Security Officer with Military Sealift Command aboard MV Endurance?
I am ENS Rosvelly Medina; I am a Limited Duty Officer assigned to Military Sealift Command Headquarters in Norfolk, Va. In March 2022, I was selected as a tactical advisor (TACAD) to serve aboard MV Endurance as the Security Officer, supporting the vessel’s voyage to Europe in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve.
What makes TACADs special is they possess the required military background to seamlessly align on hire commercial vessels with the needs and expectations of the US military.
When did you join MSC, and what is unique about supporting the command?
In Jan. 2021, I joined MSC Headquarters in Norfolk, Va. What’s unique about supporting the command is the ability to serve the US surface supply chain on all kinds of missions aboard commercial and government vessels alike, as a Security Officer.
What is your reserve unit’s name and mission, and how does your role in your current job assist with MSC’s mission aboard MV Endurance?
As a Navy reserve officer, I serve under MSC Headquarters’ operational authority. My unit’s mission is to provide trained tactical advisors for command and control purposes in support of adaptive force package missions that include US government charters – voyage and time. As a federal law enforcement officer in my civilian job, I am able to support MSC’s mission aboard MV Endurance from a security perspective that ranges from operational security to safe vessel movement via a joint and contested maritime environment. As a law enforcement professional, building effective relationships and rapport at work with other government agencies, non-government entities, and the public, is key in successfully accomplishing any mission within public service.
Why are Security Officers (SECO) the right fit for sealift voyages?
Presently, I am serving in the capacity of a Military Sealift Command (MSC) Tactical Advisor (TACAD), as a Security Officer (SECO) with the practical experience in embark security operations during times of war in hostile areas. As a SECO, I am a seasoned antiterrorism/force protection (AT/FP) and physical security subject matter expert of essence to sealift voyages, chartering military cargo and personnel for contingency purposes. I consider myself a unique asset to MSC operations due to my diversified background as a prior enlisted naval officer. Such knowledge and skills at port and/or at sea allows me to flawlessly board different types of vessels with military personnel and/or cargo while successfully ensuring its safe and secure voyage, regardless of how austere the environment may be. Keep in mind, the different types of threats at sea are no longer region specific nor naval personnel discriminatory. Transmitting the common operational picture at sea back ashore to command and control is no longer Strategic Sealift Officer specific, it is TACAD specific.
Why were you chosen for this mission, and what role will you play during the load on and load out of goods?
I was selected for this mission as a Military Sealift Command's representative on board with the authority, position, and capability to engage in naval secure messaging and training of the vessel's crew. In addition to being able to coordinate and execute secure naval communication between the vessel and different areas of responsibility (AORs), I hold responsibility in ensuring the safe passage of the vessel throughout various joint maritime environments. More specifically, it is my duty to develop a solid working relationship with the master and crew, allowing for zero discrepancies as far as port operations, transportation, and arrival to all destined ports. Nevertheless, I am in charge of providing the civilian crew on board the vessel with the situational awareness and knowledge of the different potential threats that may affect the safety of the vessel, its crew, and/or cargo when transiting through a contested maritime environment.
Was this your first deployment to Europe as an SECO? If so, what are you most looking forward to? If this is not your first deployment to Europe as a SECO, what lessons learned are you carrying with you into this mission?
Yes, this was my first deployment to Europe in the capacity of an SECO/TACAD. As a naval officer, I was looking forward to operating at sea in the role of an advisor, for, and liaison between, a commercially operated vessel and military sealift command. Communication, flexibility, adaptation, and improvisation are the key links between the military and the private sector. Lessons learned were noted upon my activation, as the world of surface logistics is consistently fluid and ever changing. Patience and resiliency are a must.
What is the best thing about being a SECO for MSC?
Being able to sail in support of sustainment operations for the US military, its allies, and partners and work with foreign entities are the two best things about being MSC’s TACAD/SECO.
What is the most challenging part about working for MSC as a TACAD?
The most challenging part about working for MSC as a TACAD is knowing how to effectively and efficiently get all interested stakeholders to concur throughout operational endeavors in all phases of a mission.
What would you tell a TACAD who is interested in joining MSC?
Adaptability, flexibility, and objectivity are key traits to possess in order to succeed at any task given as a TACAD. Do you have and live by those traits?
| Date Taken: | 04.14.2022 |
| Date Posted: | 04.14.2022 11:50 |
| Story ID: | 418498 |
| Location: | NORFOLK, VA, US |
| Web Views: | 375 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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