By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steve Watterworth
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A 2004 Alamogordo High School graduate and Andrews, Texas native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Coastal Riverine Squadron (CRS) 2.
Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Smith is an intelligence specialist with the squadron operating out of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
A Navy intelligence specialist is responsible for collecting intelligence and supporting sailors through force protection indications and warnings.
"I think that the best part of my job is getting to look out for the best interests of my sailors," said Smith.
Smith credits his success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Andrews.
“My hometown taught me to not complain when things don't seem to be going right,” said Smith. "It doesn’t help anything and only hinders getting work done."
The men and women of the U.S. Navy’s Coastal Riverine Force provide port and harbor security, high value asset protection and maritime security operations in coastal and inland waterways.
“I like that serving with this command is the variety of people I work with that I never would have met otherwise,” said Smith. "This command gives me that opportunity."
For two years in a row CRS-2 has won the Navy’s coveted "Battle E" Award, an award that not only recognizes excellence in sustained superior performance in an operational environment, but for being the best squadron in the Coastal Riverine Force. Eligibility for this award demands day-to-day demonstrated excellence in addition to superior achievement during certifications and qualifications conducted throughout the competitive period.
In addition to this achievement, they also won the 2017 Chief of Naval Operations
Off Duty Safety Award, a first for any unit under the charge of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command.
"This squadron's success is due to the dedication and caliber of its sailors at all levels,” said Cmdr. Joe Droll, commanding officer of CRS-2. “The demands placed on them are high, and they often make sacrifices to meet the mission, whether its training boat crews, security teams, maintainers or operation center watch standers. Through all the challenges they find a way to get the job done.”
Though there are many ways for a sailor to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Smith is most proud when everyone comes back home safely after a deployment.
“It's my job to inform sailors of threats while underway and teach them how to counter them,” said Smith.
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Smith has found reward in service.
“Always look after your people,” said Smith. “Take care of your people, and they will take care of you.”
A Navy intelligence specialist is responsible for collecting intelligence and supporting sailors through force protection indications and warnings.
"I think that the best part of my job is getting to look out for the best interests of my sailors," said Smith.
Smith credits his success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Andrews.
“My hometown taught me to not complain when things don't seem to be going right,” said Smith. "It doesn’t help anything and only hinders getting work done."
The men and women of the U.S. Navy’s Coastal Riverine Force provide port and harbor security, high value asset protection and maritime security operations in coastal and inland waterways.
“I like that serving with this command is the variety of people I work with that I never would have met otherwise,” said Smith. "This command gives me that opportunity."
For two years in a row CRS-2 has won the Navy’s coveted "Battle E" Award, an award that not only recognizes excellence in sustained superior performance in an operational environment, but for being the best squadron in the Coastal Riverine Force. Eligibility for this award demands day-to-day demonstrated excellence in addition to superior achievement during certifications and qualifications conducted throughout the competitive period.
In addition to this achievement, they also won the 2017 Chief of Naval Operations
Off Duty Safety Award, a first for any unit under the charge of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command.
"This squadron's success is due to the dedication and caliber of its sailors at all levels,” said Cmdr. Joe Droll, commanding officer of CRS-2. “The demands placed on them are high, and they often make sacrifices to meet the mission, whether its training boat crews, security teams, maintainers or operation center watch standers. Through all the challenges they find a way to get the job done.”
Though there are many ways for a sailor to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Smith is most proud when everyone comes back home safely after a deployment.
“It's my job to inform sailors of threats while underway and teach them how to counter them,” said Smith.
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Smith has found reward in service.
“Always look after your people,” said Smith. “Take care of your people, and they will take care of you.”