By NSA Mid-South Public Affairs
Command Master Chief Marilyn Kennard, native of Bessmer, Alabama, retired from the Navy after 30 years of service. Kennard said of her 30 years of enlistment in the Navy that it was the hard times that encouraged her to keep growing and working toward her goals.
“I would not be the person I am today if not for the adversity I have experienced,” said Kennard, adding that the good outweighed the bad.
Kennard enlisted in the Navy as a mess management specialist. A Navy job that was later renamed culinary specialist.
Her ship tours include the USS Mount Hood (AE 29), USS McKee (AS 41), USS Boxer (LHD 4), USS Makin Island (LHD 8), and the USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53).
Kennard reported as the NSA Mid-South Command Master Chief in December of 2015.
“While serving as the command master chief,” said Capt. Michael S. Wathen, commanding officer of NSA Mid-South, “Master Chief Kennard has served as my most trusted advisor. And her advice has always been spot on.”
During the ceremony Kennard was awarded the Meritorious Service medal, her second of this award.
A part of the Navy Region Southeast and Navy Installations Command, NSA Mid-South in Millington, Tennessee, serves as the Navy's Human Resources Center of Excellence home to Navy Personnel Command, Navy Recruiting Command, Navy Manpower Analysis Center, and various other commands and agencies from across the DoD.