Perseverant. Loyal. Dedicated. These are a few words to describe Machinist's Mate 2nd Class S. A. Faenza, USS Harry S. Truman's (CVN 75) 2015 Petty Officer of the 2nd Quarter.

Faenza, originally from Gillette, New Jersey, is the oldest of three children and shares her devotion to her country with her brother, a Marine sergeant. She joined the Navy looking for experience, to set a career path, and to learn to lead and grow as a person.

"Between the time I first checked in to the ship and now, I certainly feel like I have completely turned around both personally and professionally," said Faenza. "I have had the chance to learn a lot about my rate and I learned quite a bit about myself."

Part of learning about her rate was obtaining the necessary skills to be in the right mindset needed to work in Truman's liquid oxygen and liquid nitrogen plants.

"Working in the plant requires a lot of mechanical and scientific knowledge," said Faenza. "On top of that, everything needs to be extremely precise. If there were any mistakes, lives could potentially be lost."

As if dealing with potential hazards on a daily basis weren't enough, Faenza also faces long days working in the plants. Faenza said an average workday includes 12 hours of watch crammed into an 18-hour day while underway. When she isn't busy working, Faezna enjoys playing games on her computer and uses working out as an outlet to relieving the stressors of a hard day's work.

"I started to get into nutrition and fitness [back in September]," she said. "Since then, I have lost 40 pounds. Now I want to focus on getting stronger and building my self-confidence."

Faenza reflected on her tour aboard Truman and how she has grown as a Sailor.

"When I first came to Truman as a young fireman back in 2009, I had a lot to learn," said Faenza. "I was humbled by the whole experience of working on the ship and I had the chance to learn a lot from it and my leaders at the time."

Faenza credits her change to Ensign J. Caldwell and Chief Machinist's Mate T. Smith.

"MM1 Caldwell, now Ensign Caldwell, took me under his wing and taught me how to be a better Sailor," said Faenza. "When MM1 and Chief Smith came to the ship, they saw I had potential to be more than what I was so they pushed and motivated me. It was because of them that I made 3rd class [petty officer] and then 2nd class [petty officer] on my first try."

But success, as Faenza found out, does not happen over night. It takes time, patience and a commitment to succeed.

"I was once told that an eval is not written in 20 minutes, it's written in a whole year - the same should be true for any award you want," said Faenza. "It doesn't start with 'I'm going to be Petty Officer of the Quarter right now,' it should always be worked on."

As a leader, she pushes her Sailors to have the same train of thought so they can also be successful.

Machinist's Mate 3rd Class B. W. Njoo, one of Faenza's Sailors, said Faenza's leadership style is motivating.

"I feel that she always leads by example and guides us in the right direction, as a leader should," said Njoo. "The recognition she receives for her work definitely inspires us and shows us that it's possible to get where she is now. She's always looking out for us and takes care of us and that's my favorite thing about her. I feel like I work with her rather than for her which I think increases morale around the shop."

"My Sailors drive me to achieve more," said Faenza. "Every step I take, I want them to follow. If I'm going to be an example, I want to be an example worth following."

As a part of being an example, she has become a victim advocate for the ship's sexual assault prevention and response program and organizes training for her workcenter.

Faenza also helps her Sailors set goals and gives them the resources they need to reach those goals.

"I want to set my Sailors up for success," said Faenza. "I want to help them develop and build confidence in themselves. I do this by keeping myself open to talk with and by treating them with the respect they deserve."

Faenza not only draws the attention of her Sailors, but from her chain of command as well.

"She's an outstanding leader," said Senior Chief Machinist's Mate M. A. McNeil. "She's very proactive, leads by example and is always willing to train those around her."

For her professionalism and leadership, she earned the title of Petty Officer of the Quarter for the second quarter of 2015. To be put in the running, each department chooses a representative who shows exceptional military bearing, uniform presentation, qualifications, collateral duties and training-everything that makes a well-rounded Sailor. The representatives then stand a board to determine who earns the award.

"I didn't think I was going to win because the competition was really strong," said Faenza. "I felt like it wasn't my time, but I really surprised myself with my performance in the board. I was really nervous when I walked in, but I felt strong and confident walking out."

Faenza offers this advice to Sailors aboard Truman.

"Get every qualification you can possibly get," said Faenza. "Know your job and your rate so you can train other people and keep up with your military bearing. Whatever you do, don't stop pushing. If you're just coming to the ship, hit the ground running and don't stop. Don't lose your motivation and don't lose your drive. Listen to your leaders and don't ever stop pushing."

For more news from USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), visit www.navy.mil/.