Rick Burke,
Navy Office of Community Outreach
Contributor
A native of Live Oak, Fla., serves the U.S. Navy with Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMNAVSURFPAC) located in San Diego, Calif. Lieutenant Commander Gregory J. Royal, Sr. joined the Navy 30 years ago. “I joined the U.S. Navy because of my immense desire to serve and be a part of something,” said Royal. “I was very intrigued with the opportunities the Navy had to offer.” Growing up in Live Oak, Royal attended Suwannee High School and graduated in 1993. Additionally, Royal acquired a Bachelor of Arts in Management from Excelsior College and a Master of Arts in Human Resources Management from National University in 2017. Skills and values similar to those found in Live Oak are important to succeed in the military. “Having strict family guidance coupled with the opportunity to enroll and participate in my high school NJROTC program, I learned incredible discipline, a strong work ethic and the importance of doing your absolute best in everything,” said Royal. According to Navy officials, COMNAVSURFPAC delivers and sustains full-spectrum naval power that is balanced, affordable and resilient; to lead Surface Warfare policy and standardization issues with a fleet focused perspective; and to develop the professional expertise of surface warriors. “The favorite part of my job is being a well-rounded sailor,” said Royal. “I utilize my enlisted experience as a naval officer (LDO) to support the war-fighting capability and readiness of naval forces through leadership and technical proficiency.” With 90 percent of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy. “Our mission remains timeless - to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy.” As a member of the Navy, Royal is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy. “The U.S. Navy is a ready sea-bound force maintaining global maritime superiority,” said Royal. Royal has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service. “My proudest accomplishment was being selected, tested and initiated as a chief petty officer,” said Royal. “There is nothing like it!” Royal was promoted to the rank of chief petty officer and later commissioned as a Naval Officer under the Limited Duty Officer program in October 2008. Royal later qualified as a Surface Warfare Officer, Officer of the Deck (Underway) and Engineering Officer of the Watch. As Royal and other sailors continue to perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy. “I am proud to say I served in the United States Navy,” added Royal. “My family and I have enjoyed many opportunities and benefits while serving a purpose.”