VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Capt. Tavis Long, a native of Dover, Ohio, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Expeditionary Combat Command, 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 |
Long graduated from Massillon Christian School in 1997, Pensacola Christian College with a bachelor’s degree in secondary education (history) in 2001, Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary with a master’s degree in divinity in 2004, Bethany Divinity College and Seminary with a Ph.D. in 2006, and George Mason University with a master's degree in philosophy (ethics) in 2016.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Dover.
“My parents taught me just to do my best,” Long said. "I am not to be the standard, just an example."
Long joined the Navy 23 years ago. Today, Long serves as the force chaplain.
“My father was one of 12 United States Coast Guard aviators to fly in the Vietnam War,” Long said. "He retired as a Coast Guard officer, and I wanted to follow in his footsteps, but as a chaplain. The Navy provides the Coast Guard with its chaplains, so I joined the Navy. Ironically, in 23 years of service, I have never served with the Coast Guard."
Headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) provides oversight, training and support for the Navy’s expeditionary forces worldwide. From EOD technicians and Seabees to maritime security and logistics sailors, NECC integrates these specialized communities into a ready force capable of deploying quickly and operating wherever they’re needed. A dedicated civilian workforce stands alongside uniformed personnel, ensuring the command has the depth and expertise to keep pace with evolving missions.
NECC’s focus is clear: Arrive on Station, Stay on Station, and Sustain the Fight. By building readiness at home and enabling operations abroad, NECC ensures that expeditionary sailors are equipped, trained, and prepared to deliver when the Navy and the nation call.
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.
Long has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am most proud of the opportunity I had in 2014 to open the U.S. House of Representatives with prayer,” Long said. "I was assigned to Headquarters Marine Corps at the time in the Chaplain of the Marine Corps' office."
Long 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 am serving my country, and I get to minister to others serving the nation,” Long said.
Long is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents, Bob and Stephanie, who instilled in me both a strong work ethic and a patriotic desire to serve my country,” Long said. "I especially want to thank my wife, Kendal, for being an amazing mother to our five children and keeping our home in order. She has always supported me through all of the moves and deployments and has never quit once. I couldn’t imagine my life without her."