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 Britteney Powers |
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 2nd Class Brandon Sims, a native of Virginia Beach, Virginia, is one of these sailors serving at Maritime Security Squadron 2 which is responsible for protecting the Navy’s maritime platforms and port infrastructure.
Sims graduated from Salem High School in 2016.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Virginia Beach.
“I learned to cherish the moments you have with family and friends because you never know when they'll have to move or in the case of my father, get deployed,” said Sims.
Sims joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Sims serves as an information systems technician.
“I grew up in a military family,” said Sims. "My father was a Navy senior chief when he retired. I watched him when I was growing up, and I wanted to follow in his footsteps."
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.
Sims 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."
Sims has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I'm proud to have helped my last command transition to a new building, especially with the classified material that had to be moved,” said Sims. "I earned my first Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal based on that."
Sims can take pride in serving America through military service.
“I've grown as a person during my time in the Navy,” added Sims. "I went through life before the Navy with a lackadaisical attitude. The Navy helped me understand how important my future is and to take steps to meet my goals every day.”
“I grew up in a military family,” said Sims. "My father was a Navy senior chief when he retired. I watched him when I was growing up, and I wanted to follow in his footsteps."
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.
Sims 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."
Sims has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I'm proud to have helped my last command transition to a new building, especially with the classified material that had to be moved,” said Sims. "I earned my first Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal based on that."
Sims can take pride in serving America through military service.
“I've grown as a person during my time in the Navy,” added Sims. "I went through life before the Navy with a lackadaisical attitude. The Navy helped me understand how important my future is and to take steps to meet my goals every day.”