VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Seaman Apprentice Kevon Manning, a native of Orlando, Florida, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Marine Expeditionary Security Group Two (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 |
Manning graduated from Sheeler High School in 2024.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Orlando.
“My hometown taught me that I wanted more than Orlando could offer me,” Manning said. "It's a chill place, but not where I wanted to spend my whole life. When I die, I want to be proud of what I've done."
Manning joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Manning serves as a quartermaster.
“I joined the Navy to make a name for myself,” Manning said. "I wanted to be able to do more for my family and ensure they were going to be ok and start life on the right foot."
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.
Manning has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was completing Quartermaster School and getting to shoot the .50 caliber M2 Browning heavy machine gun,” Manning said.
Manning 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 can support my country and benefit myself at the same time,” Manning said. "Not many jobs offer you both of those things."
Manning is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mother, Nicole Prud'homme, and the staff at Sheelar High School, for pointing me in the right direction to start my Navy career,” Manning said.
“I don't know if I will make the Navy my career, but I do see a future in the service,” Manning said. "I'm going to take it step-by-step and see where it leads me."