VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Seaman Terrance Stanton, a native of Atlanta, Georgia, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Marine Expeditionary Security Group 2, part of the Navy’s expeditionary force.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Marieliza Rosales Navy Public Affairs Support Element East |
Stanton graduated from Apalachee High School in 2024.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Atlanta.
“My mother forced me to have chores and work for what I wanted,” Stanton said. "I learned discipline, and that is key in the Navy. You are going to make mistakes, and you are going to get corrected. What matters is being able to take it in a positive way and not react in a way that will make things worse."
Stanton joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Stanton serves as a quartermaster.
“I joined the Navy because my cousin who is in the Navy told me it would be a good way to go, and he was right,” Stanton said.
Maritime Expeditionary Security Group (MESG) 2, headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia, delivers the Navy’s front line of defense in coastal waters and ports around the globe. Its sailors are trained to patrol harbors, escort high-value ships, and guard maritime chokepoints where danger is most likely to appear. Whether operating from fast patrol craft or shoreside security positions, they ensure freedom of movement for U.S. and allied forces in contested environments.
MESG-2’s mission is built on vigilance and quiet strength. Their presence may not always make headlines, but their work underpins the safety of every operation that begins or ends at sea. In the littorals — where a small gap in security can have outsized consequences — MESG-2 stands as a constant, capable force, committed to keeping the Navy’s lifelines secure.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
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.
Stanton has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was graduating from Expeditionary Combat School,” Stanton said. "That was the first time I shot a gun, and before I left, I was rated an expert."
Stanton serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means I have stability in my life,” Stanton said. "It also means I am working for something that matters, not only to me, but to the people I love."
Stanton is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents, Sagan and Terrance, and my sister, Sangi, for being such a great support system for me,” Stanton said. "They always show me love and encourage me, no matter what."