Largest maritime warfare exercise features Roseville native

Roseville native and United States Navy Petty Second Officer Sarah Purto is serving as a damage controlman during the largest international maritime warfare exercise, Rim of the Pacific, according to the Navy Office of Community Outreach. Prior to the Rim of the Pacific, Purto worked aboard USS Sampson, currently operating out of Everett, Washington. Purto grew up in Roseville and graduated from Enochs High School in 2012. According to Navy officials, Purto's role as a Navy damage controlman is to serve as a firefighter on the ship. Purto also helps train the crew to fight fires, flooding and repair damages onboard. When asked how she stays motivated serving the country, Purto said, "My father has always taught me to push through when things get tough. That helps me always get up and keep going when things get tough." The Rim of the Pacific provides training opportunities for officers to learn how to sustain cooperative relationships vital to maintaining safety and security at sea. "The Navy helps keep the oceans safe and free," Purto said. "It lets cargo ships move trade around the world without any issues." In addition, the officers are trained in disaster relief and maritime security operations to sea control and complex warfighting, gunnery, missile, anti-submarine and air defense exercises, counter-piracy, mine clearance operations, explosive ordnance disposal, and diving and salvage operations. The Rim of the Pacific began in 1971 and this year was the exercise's 28th year of activity. The exercises took place on the Hawaiian islands and the Southern California coast. Purto said she enjoyed exploring the Hawaiian islands this summer. "It has (the Navy) let me see things I would not be able to see otherwise." The selected officers, including Purto, embarked on the exercise at the end of June and completed the program last week. "Serving in the Navy means that I get to fight for freedom by just doing my job well," Purto said. "My work has a larger meaning to all."