VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Seaman Jarvis Morris, a native of Savannah, Georgia, 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 |
Morris graduated from New Hampstead High School in 2024.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Savannah.
“Growing up, I learned to always be polite,” Morris said. “Being polite has gotten me up here this far.”
Morris joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Morris serves as a quartermaster.
“I joined the Navy to secure my future,” Morris said. “I didn’t really have a plan for my future. I was thinking about going to college, but I didn’t really know how to approach it. I thought the military would be a better way for me.”
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.
Morris has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of making it out of boot camp and that I’ve finished so many training schools,” Morris said. “Back when I was a civilian, I never imagined myself doing these things. When I was about to join, I thought I wasn’t going to make it because I’d never done any of the things that were going to be expected of me. Looking back, if I had to do it again, it would be easier.”
Morris serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“For me, serving in the Navy means doing my job efficiently and protecting my family,” Morris said. “I like knowing I’m protecting my family when I wear this uniform. When I talk to my mom, we talk about my day, and she’s super happy to hear from me. Being away, I hear about what they’re doing in the day, and it creates more conversation, keeping me connected to them. I like that.”
Morris is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom, Jasmine Morris,” Morris said. “She’s supported me my whole life. Thanks to the discipline she gave me when I was younger, I grew up to be a decent man.”