By Mr. Dusty Good
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A 2012 Central East High School graduate and Fresno, California native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Coastal Riverine Squadron (CRS) 2.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Duane Mendoza is a engineman with the squadron operating out of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
A Navy engineman is responsible for maintenance and repair of the engines on patrol boats.
“I like being able to fix engines and learn about them,” said Mendoza.
Mendoza credits his success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Fresno.
“The most important thing I learned growing up in Fresno is staying positive,” said Mendoza. "If you are positive others catch on and smiling is contagious."
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 deployments we do at this command,” said Mendoza. "When you are deployed you experience different cultures and food. I want to travel that's why I joined the Navy."
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, Mendoza is most proud of learning to problem-solve.
“One time we were given a engine that seemed impossible to fix,” said Mendoza. "We took it all apart and made it work and the mission was able to be accomplished."
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Mendoza has found reward in service.
“The Navy has taught me how to treat people the way you want to be treated,” said Mendoza. "It's all about respect and without it you can't achieve the mission."
A Navy engineman is responsible for maintenance and repair of the engines on patrol boats.
“I like being able to fix engines and learn about them,” said Mendoza.
Mendoza credits his success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Fresno.
“The most important thing I learned growing up in Fresno is staying positive,” said Mendoza. "If you are positive others catch on and smiling is contagious."
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 deployments we do at this command,” said Mendoza. "When you are deployed you experience different cultures and food. I want to travel that's why I joined the Navy."
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, Mendoza is most proud of learning to problem-solve.
“One time we were given a engine that seemed impossible to fix,” said Mendoza. "We took it all apart and made it work and the mission was able to be accomplished."
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Mendoza has found reward in service.
“The Navy has taught me how to treat people the way you want to be treated,” said Mendoza. "It's all about respect and without it you can't achieve the mission."