Parsippany Native Protects U.S. Navy Forces in the Middle East

Now, 26 years later and half a world away at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain, Pace Jr. serves as the leading-edge of the Navy the Nation Needs.

Pace Jr., a 1987 graduate of Parsippany Hills High School, is a quality assurance officer at NSA Bahrain, forward-deployed to the Arabian Gulf region in the Navy’s U.S. 5th Fleet.

“I am a subject matter expert in the engineering department to guide and mentor junior and senior sailors in their daily tasks,” said Pace Jr..

Pace Jr. credits success in Bahrain, and in the Navy, to many of the lessons learned in Parsippany.

“I learned the value of hard work and determination,” said Pace Jr. “Help everyone out and make it better than you found it.”

U.S. 5th Fleet directs naval operations to ensure maritime security and stability in the Central Region, which connects the Mediterranean Sea and Pacific Ocean through the western Indian Ocean. They work with partner nations to ensure freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in international waterways.

NSA Bahrain enables the forward operations and responsiveness of U.S. 5th Fleet and allied forces in support of Navy Region Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia’s mission to provide services to the fleet, warfighter and family.

The Navy’s U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of ocean, and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. This expanse, comprised of 20 countries, includes three critical choke points; the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.

Serving in the Navy means Pace Jr. is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“I’m incredibly proud to serve with each of our Sailors, Coast Guardsmen and Marines forward-deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations,” said Rear Admiral Paul Schlise, deputy commander for NAVCENT/ U.S. 5th Fleet. “They represent the very best of our country and serve as volunteers in a complex and dynamic region that’s vital to our security. I am honored to work alongside these warriors.”

A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.

“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”

Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Pace Jr. is most proud of being advanced to Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) in 2013.

“With drive and determination no matter where you start you can achieve anything,” said Pace Jr.. “I came into the Navy at 23 years old in February 1993 as an undesignated fireman. I made it to Senior Chief Petty Officer at my 18 year mark, and then advanced to CWO. I went from an E-2 to a CWO3 in 23 years. My parents were very proud.”

As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Pace Jr. and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing the Navy the nation needs.

“I am proud to serve my country and hope that I am making my family proud,” said Pace Jr. “I met my wife in 1998 when we both served on USS Supply stationed in New Jersey. We have been together for over 20 years and have three wonderful children. She retired in 2017 after 27 years of service and I have four years left to make 30 years and retire.”