Sons Cut From The Same Navy Cloth by U.S.
Navy Spc. Zachery Frost
February 2, 2022
Being stationed overseas can be a stressful
thing. A service member’s way of life is changed significantly as
they leave everyone they know behind. In many cases, they can’t
speak with their families for a long period of time, other than the
occasional phone call and video call.
In rare cases, a
military member’s child who followed in their footsteps will deploy
to the same duty station.
That is the case for Navy Capt.
Ernan Obellos, the comptroller for U.S. Naval Forces Central
Command, headquartered in Bahrain. He originally enlisted in the
Navy in 1988, and earned his commission through Officer Candidate
School in 1997. He has served on active duty for 33 years and both
of his sons followed his example by becoming officers in the U.S.
Navy.
September 28, 2019 -
U.S. Navy
Capt. Ernan Obellos, center, Lt. j. g. Elvin-John Obellos, left, and Lt. Kristopher-Louis Obellos, right,
at a church in undisclosed location. Ernan Obellos served on active duty for 33 years
with both of his sons following his example by becoming officers in the U.S. Navy.
The sons deployed to the same geographical location as their father. (Photo courtesy of
U.S. Navy
Capt. Ernan Obellos)
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“It is beyond phenomenal from a fatherly
pride perspective,” said Obellos when asked what it’s like being
stationed near one of his sons.
His younger son, Lt. j.g. Elvin-John
Obellos, a surface warfare officer, is currently assigned to USS
Gladiator (MCM 11), which operates from Bahrain. This is same ship
that Obellos was assigned to 22 years ago.
“I got the chance
to visit his ship last Thanksgiving,” said Obellos.
His
eldest son, Lt. Kristopher-Louis Obellos, is currently assigned to
Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 1, based on Whidbey Island,
Washington.
Obellos has been able to see his children grow
throughout their military careers. He had the opportunity to
participate in both of his sons’ commissioning ceremonies and
Kristopher-Louis’s promotion to Lieutenant. Elvin-John was also able
to attend Obellos’s change of command ceremony when he took command
of Defense Logistics Agency Aviation San Diego in 2018.
“Seeing them move up the ranks doing what they do is always a beacon
of pride,” said Obellos. “Not just for me and my wife, but for our
family as well.”
Obellos is able to use his experience and
wisdom to teach them about what makes a great leader, but he also
learns from them as well.
“I am one of the few Cold War
Sailors left on active duty,” said Obellos. “I definitely have a
three-decade-old view of our Navy with lifelong transition to where
we are at this time. A lot of changes had occurred for the
betterment of our Navy.
“They're both in a different
generation; they both definitely have different perspectives on how
the world looks. When able, I'm very interested in their opinions,
specifically things that happen in our Navy, and absorb their
thoughts on how to lead younger Sailors.”
There are specific
leadership qualities he has shared with his sons, such as
responsibility, accountability, and authority as they perform their
daily leadership roles. He also encourages them to “grasp the
concept that great leaders are comfortable being uncomfortable.”
The opportunity to parent and lead his sons while serving
alongside them is a very special occurrence.
“I’m very proud
of my two boys and to be able to serve side-by-side with them,” said
Obellos. “It’s an uncommon opportunity that I treasure every day and
for the days to come.”
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