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.
 |
| 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.
Chief Petty Officer Jason Medaris, a native of Dallas, Texas, is one of these sailors serving at Maritime Security Squadron 2 which is responsible for protecting the Navy’s maritime platforms and port infrastructure.
Medaris graduated from Grand Prairie High School in 1999.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Dallas.
“My hometown taught me to do what you can, with what you have, where you are,” said Medaris. “I've always disliked the phrase 'it is what it is.' Regardless of your situation, putting in the effort can lead to improvements in your life.”
Medaris joined the Navy 24 years ago. Today, Medaris serves as an intelligence specialist.
“I joined the Navy to improve my quality of life and because I lost a bet with a recruiter,” said Medaris. “Initially, I was in the delayed entry program. However, I made a deal with a recruiter that if he could recruit my best friend, I would enlist too. We both ended up joining the Navy and now, here I am, 24 years later.”
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.
Medaris 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."
Medaris has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is my first deployment on the USS Roosevelt,” said Medaris. “Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, we went underway and broke the record for most days at sea without a port visit, totaling 159 consecutive days.”
Medaris can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Growing up, I never felt particularly close to my biological family, but joining the Navy has helped me discover a new sense of family,” said Medaris. “My fellow sailors have become more than just colleagues; they're like brothers and sisters to me. The shared mission and the daily routines bond us; forged bonds that go beyond mere camaraderie; they're bonds of trust, loyalty, and shared purpose. In them, I've found the sense of belonging and kinship that I never had growing up, and for that, I'm grateful. It is one of the reasons that I decided to reenlist again.”
Medaris is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my wife and daughter,” added Medaris. “They have supported me unconditionally throughout my career and I would not be where I am today without them.”