MILLINGTON. Tenn. – Ensign Kokou Gbekou, from Togo, West Africa, recently received an award for their performance while training to join the Navy Supply Corps.
Gbekou graduated from Lycee Technique de Lomé in 2003. Additionally, Gbekou earned a bachelor's in management from the University of Lomé in Togo and a bachelor's in accounting from American Military University in Charlestown, West Virginia.
Gbekou, 1st Battalion, Class 24010, received the Navy Supply Corps Foundation Leadership award while attending the Basic Qualification Course (BQC), at Naval Supply Corps School, in Newport, Rhode Island. Gbekou graduated from the course on Mar. 29.
Gbekou earned the award for having demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and accomplishments.
Considered to be one of the Navy’s greatest assets, supply officers must first train and be mentored at Naval Supply Corps School. Before any type of extraordinary achievement, the students must first pass a rigorous course structure to become a Navy supply officer.
"Receiving the Navy Supply Corps Foundation Leadership Award inspires me to continue striving for excellence and to keep serving as a role model for others," said Gbekou. "It is important for sailors to know that their efforts, dedication, and commitment to excellence and leadership are being acknowledged and appreciated by leadership."
Gbekou joined the Navy eight years ago. Today, Gbekou serves as a supply officer.
Navy supply officers ensure sailors have the tools and equipment they need to deter any threat and maintain warfighting readiness.
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.
Gbekou serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
The mission of Naval Supply Corps School is to provide students with the personal and professional foundations for success. This mission lends itself to the vision of the school, which is to ensure all supply corps officer graduates are prepared to provide global logistics support to the Navy.
Once these service members finish training, they are deployed around the world putting their skill set to work.
Gbekou is assigned to serve with USS Dextrous, homeported in Bahrain.