VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Seaman Mark Goff, a native of Columbus, Georgia, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Marine Expeditionary Security Group 2 (MESG-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 |
Goff graduated from North Side High School in 2024.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Columbus.
“I was well disciplined as a child, and I learned early on how to be respectful, which is essential in the Navy,” Goff said.
Goff joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Goff serves as a quartermaster.
“I was going to college to play football, but then I had a knee injury, so I decided to join the Navy,” Goff said. "My mom was a sergeant in the Army, and my grandfather was a sergeant first class, and my uncle was actually a sergeant major, so I am carrying on a family tradition, and that means a lot to me."
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.
Goff has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is graduating from Quartermaster School and Expeditionary Combat School,” Goff said. "I qualified as a sharpshooter with a pistol and rifle."
Goff 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 that every day I am working to better myself, and I'm carrying on a family tradition,” Goff said.
Goff is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my grandparents, my parents, my siblings, and my recruiter for helping me to get this far,” Goff said. "I also want to thank my friends who joined the Navy with me. We all got stationed in Virginia, and it's great to have them with me."
“I want to pursue a career in nursing, and as soon as I can, I will start taking classes," Goff said.