By Mr. Dusty Good
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A 2005 Harper Creek High School graduate and Battle Creek, Michigan native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Coastal Riverine Squadron (CRS) 2.
Petty Officer 1st Class Jonathan Willbur is an equipment operator with the squadron operating out of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
A Navy equipment operator is responsible for operation and maintenance of civil engineer support equipment.
“I like the type of work my job involves,” said Willbur. "I enjoy being able to do construction work."
Willbur credits his success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Battle Creek.
“My hometown taught me to never give up,” said Willbur. "It's a small town so you have to learn perseverance."
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 the deployment sites we go to in this command,” said Willbur. "We get to go to Middle Eastern countries and do interesting work."
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, Willbur is most proud of serving in Operation Enduring Freedom.
“I was a part of a group combating terrorism,” said Willbur. "I was a part of the front lines and doing my part."
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Willbur has found reward in service.
“The Navy has taught me that no goal is too big,” said Willbur. "You can always achieve your goals no matter the challenges you encounter."
A Navy equipment operator is responsible for operation and maintenance of civil engineer support equipment.
“I like the type of work my job involves,” said Willbur. "I enjoy being able to do construction work."
Willbur credits his success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Battle Creek.
“My hometown taught me to never give up,” said Willbur. "It's a small town so you have to learn perseverance."
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 the deployment sites we go to in this command,” said Willbur. "We get to go to Middle Eastern countries and do interesting work."
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, Willbur is most proud of serving in Operation Enduring Freedom.
“I was a part of a group combating terrorism,” said Willbur. "I was a part of the front lines and doing my part."
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Willbur has found reward in service.
“The Navy has taught me that no goal is too big,” said Willbur. "You can always achieve your goals no matter the challenges you encounter."