By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steve Watterworth
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A 1999 Montgomery Central High School graduate and Clarksville, Tennessee native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Coastal Riverine Squadron (CRS) 2.
Chief Kimberly Ontiveros is a master-at-arms with the squadron operating out of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
A Navy master at arms is responsible for ensuring the safety of all base personnel.
"I think the best part of my job is assisting my sailors in a riverine squadron with professional growth,” said Ontiveros.
Ontiveros credits her success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Clarksville.
“My hometown taught me to explore new avenues outside the box of expectations,” said Ontiveros.
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 enjoy working from my communication center,” said Ontiveros. “I am the liaison handling all incoming and outgoing communications in support of our mission.”
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, Ontiveros is most proud of mentoring sailors to succeed through promotion and recognition of their personal and professional growth.
“I’m proud that out of our detachments together, ours was recommended as the best out of 12 squadrons,” said Ontiveros.
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Ontiveros has found reward in service.
“The Navy has taught me the importance of listening to your sailors and not talking at them,” said Ontiveros.
A Navy master at arms is responsible for ensuring the safety of all base personnel.
"I think the best part of my job is assisting my sailors in a riverine squadron with professional growth,” said Ontiveros.
Ontiveros credits her success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Clarksville.
“My hometown taught me to explore new avenues outside the box of expectations,” said Ontiveros.
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 enjoy working from my communication center,” said Ontiveros. “I am the liaison handling all incoming and outgoing communications in support of our mission.”
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, Ontiveros is most proud of mentoring sailors to succeed through promotion and recognition of their personal and professional growth.
“I’m proud that out of our detachments together, ours was recommended as the best out of 12 squadrons,” said Ontiveros.
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Ontiveros has found reward in service.
“The Navy has taught me the importance of listening to your sailors and not talking at them,” said Ontiveros.