VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – The U.S. Navy owns many large submarines, ships and aircraft carriers that need to be protected when operating at sea and close to the shore. A special group of sailors is charged with protecting these Navy investments.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Klineizquierdo |
The Maritime Expeditionary Security Force (MESF) operates ashore, at sea and in the waters of harbors, rivers, bays and across the littorals. The primary focus of MESF is to conduct maritime security operations. They do this by providing port and harbor security as well as security for high-value units, like aircraft carriers and submarines, on coastal waterways and ashore.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Samantha Shelton, a native of Bernville, Pennsylvania, is one of these sailors serving at Maritime Security Squadron 2 which is responsible for protecting the Navy’s maritime platforms and port infrastructure.
Shelton graduated from Tulpehocken High School in 2018.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Bernville.
“My hometown is small, so I learned the importance of not staying in one place,” said Shelton. "There's a lot of value in traveling to other places and experiencing other parts of the world."
Shelton joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Shelton serves as a personnel specialist.
“After college, I wasn't ready to join the civilian workforce right away, so I decided to join the military because it could offer valuable experiences that would serve me later,” said Shelton.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Shelton serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
"We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day," said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. "Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs."
Shelton has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am proud to go through all the training I have completed in the admin field,” said Shelton.
Shelton can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy offers a great sense of pride,” said Shelton. "I come from a military family, so there's a lot of pride in service across multiple generations. My dad, Theodore Headley, served in the Marines, and my brother Theodore, is currently serving in the Navy. He has the same first name, but a different middle name."
Shelton is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents, Theodore Headley and Michelle Wright, for supporting me through these experiences,” added Shelton. “I also want to thank my brother for giving me a competitive mindset to join the military."