VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Petty Officer 1st Class Kaleob Harrison, a native of Festus, Missouri, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 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 |
Harrison graduated from Fox High School in 2013.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Festus.
“My philosophy has changed over time,” Harrison said. “Early on, it was ‘Just do what you’re told, and don’t do any more or any less than required, unless it’s absolutely necessary.’ It kept things simple. You can’t go wrong for doing what you were told to do. I didn’t change my philosophy until I became a leader. Now I say, ‘Anything worth doing is worth overdoing. Put everything you can into what you’re doing.’”
Harrison joined the Navy 11 years ago. Today, Harrison serves as a boatswain’s mate.
“There wasn’t much choice, I got snatched up right after high school,” Harrison said. “My cousin served in the Navy. I saw that he had done well and had turned his entire life around. I finished up high school, talked to a recruiter and got into the Delayed Entry Program. When it was time to ship out, I shipped out.”
MSRON-2 falls under the command of Maritime Expeditionary Security Group (MESG) 2, headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia. MESG-2 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.
Harrison has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“So far, my proudest accomplishment is picking up petty officer first class,” Harrison said. “I was promoted back in May. I didn’t think I would pick it up for a while. For boatswain’s mates, getting to first class is one of the hardest milestones in our careers. The advancement rate is super low. Getting over that hump and getting to it is a testament to how hard I studied and how hard I worked to get here.”
Harrison 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 is a rite of passage in my opinion,” Harrison said. “I feel that every man should serve at least four years in the U.S. military in some shape or form. I know serving in the military isn’t for everybody, but I feel that it’s a rite of passage.”
Harrison is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom and dad, Carla and Gary, my wife, Kim, and my kids,” Harrison said. “They’ve been the most supportive of my career. I’ve had really good chains of command at USS San Antonio and Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center. The chain of command here at MSRON 2 has been very welcoming and supportive of me, as it’s been a smooth transition thanks to them.”
Harrison offered words of wisdom to anyone seeking guidance.
“It’s not a sin to get knocked down, but it is a sin to stay there,” Harrison said.