VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Chief Petty Officer Tamara Gholson, whose brothers live in Monticello, New York, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Navy 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 |
Gholson, who grew up in Brooklyn, graduated from Science Skills Center High School in 2000. Additionally, Gholson earned a bachelor’s degree in business studies and finance from Southern New Hampshire University in 2014 and is working toward a Master of Business Administration in cyber information systems through the same university.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Monticello, where Gholson’s brothers and most of her family reside.
“Growing up, I learned the importance of resilience,” Gholson said. “I learned how to bounce back. I learned not to take things personally. I have a family full of military members and teachers, so I grew up knowing that education is key. Understanding what I have to do, how I have to do it, and why I have to do it has helped me get through. Everything happens for a reason, and if you don’t understand that reason, you might not get the task right.”
Gholson joined the Navy 21 years ago. Today, Gholson serves as a logistics specialist.
“I joined the Navy to see the world, figure out what I wanted to do in life, and finish my degree,” Gholson said. “I was in Brooklyn with my brother. We went to see an Air Force recruiter, but they were closed, so then we went to the Navy recruiting office. My brother and I walked in, and there was a chief in there. We talked, and I asked him if he’d recommend that I enlist. He said, ‘Yeah.’ I asked if he’d recommend his kids to do the same, and he said, ‘Yeah.’ I signed up and went to boot camp later that year.”
Headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia, 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.
Gholson has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of making chief, because I didn’t expect it,” Gholson said. “I didn’t expect to be in the Navy this long so making chief was a ‘Wow’ moment. One of the proudest things for me is when people come up to me and tell me I’m someone they look up to. I like it when I get asked for my advice or opinions on personal or professional things.”
Gholson 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 support this country in a way that many people have not,” Gholson said. “It means I’m taking care of the people I love and the friends I’ve made for life. It means I’m here for the junior sailors and junior officers who need support.”
Gholson is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my brothers, Lamont and Jervon, for being there for me for this whole 21 years and for their constant support,” Gholson said. “I want to send a shout-out to my family for their support and the motivation they’ve provided throughout this journey.”