By Mr. Dusty Good
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A 2012 Grand Haven High School graduate and Grand Haven, Michigan native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Coastal Riverine Squadron (CRS) 2.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Nathan Rollins is a master-at-arms with the squadron operating out of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
A Navy master-at-arms is responsible for security operations.
“My job gives me the sense that I can keep people safe,” said Rollins. "If someone's in trouble we will be the ones they call."
Rollins credits his success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Grand Haven.
“Grand Haven is a very close-knit town,” said Rollins. "The most important thing I learned growing up was doing what you love. Go out and be yourself and don't let anyone tell you you can't do anything."
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.
“This command is a tight-knit family,” said Rollins. "The familiarity with everyone and deploying with them creates a close-knit group of friends. There is nothing better than working with friends."
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, Rollins is most proud of being part of a successful deployment.
“Being deployed is what the military is all about,” said Rollins. "We were able to go forth and keep people safe which is what I love doing."
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Rollins has found reward in service.
“The Navy has taught me the importance of being patient and flexible,” said Rollins. "I also have gained a sense of discipline that has helped me go forth and achieve things in my personal life that I didn't think I'd be able to do."
A Navy master-at-arms is responsible for security operations.
“My job gives me the sense that I can keep people safe,” said Rollins. "If someone's in trouble we will be the ones they call."
Rollins credits his success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Grand Haven.
“Grand Haven is a very close-knit town,” said Rollins. "The most important thing I learned growing up was doing what you love. Go out and be yourself and don't let anyone tell you you can't do anything."
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.
“This command is a tight-knit family,” said Rollins. "The familiarity with everyone and deploying with them creates a close-knit group of friends. There is nothing better than working with friends."
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, Rollins is most proud of being part of a successful deployment.
“Being deployed is what the military is all about,” said Rollins. "We were able to go forth and keep people safe which is what I love doing."
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Rollins has found reward in service.
“The Navy has taught me the importance of being patient and flexible,” said Rollins. "I also have gained a sense of discipline that has helped me go forth and achieve things in my personal life that I didn't think I'd be able to do."