Photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Gary Ward
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2003 Mount Vernon High School graduate and Mount Vernon, New York, native is serving at Navy Expeditionary Combat Readiness Command in Norfolk, Virginia.
Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Sharonna Morris is a yeoman responsible for performing administrative and clerical work for active and reserve sailors getting ready to deploy. “I really enjoy working with the sailors,” Morris said. “They are set out for a mission and I’m helping them get there. Sometimes I feel like I’m actually part of their mission and it gives me a good feeling.”
While most members of the U.S. Navy conduct deployments at sea as part of U.S. Navy warship crews, each year thousands of Sailors are called upon to conduct non-traditional deployments, often in austere locations outside the maritime environment, in support of military missions around the globe. The men and women of ECRC provide unparalleled support to these deploying Sailors by ensuring each Sailor has the training, equipment and family support needed to succeed during their 12-month deployment.
Morris credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Mount Vernon.
“Growing up my family and community taught me perseverance,” Morris said. “There are many obstacles in life and you have to be able to rise above and break down barriers to complete each mission.”
Morris has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
"My husband served in the Navy before me,” Morris said. “We were high school sweethearts and he encouraged me to fulfill my dream which is why I decided to join.”
Morris’s greatest accomplishment serving in the Navy is receiving the expeditionary warfare qualification.
“It was ten months of hard work and studying,” Morris said. “I’m proud that I completed the course and passed the board.”
“It’s an honor to lead a group of sailors so dedicated to supporting approximately 7,000 of their fellow shipmates who are called upon annually to serve their country in deployment locations that are unique for the Navy,” said Capt. Matthew Jackson, commanding officer of ECRC. “From the moment those sailors receive their deployment orders, until they return and are reunited with their families - Morris, and my entire team here at Expeditionary Combat Readiness Command, are committed to making sure each sailor has everything they need to be successful no matter the duties they’re asked to perform, or the overseas location at which they’re asked to serve.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Morris and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes, one that will provide a critical component of the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy means being a part of something bigger than myself,” Morris added. “I feel a sense of pride and honor knowing that others are safe because of my small part.”