By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steve Watterworth
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A 2010 Monsignor Bonner High School graduate and Havertown, Pennsylvania native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Coastal Riverine Squadron (CRS) 2.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Liam Spellane is an electronics technician with the squadron operating out of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
A Navy electronics technician is responsible for troubleshooting and fixing all Navy electronics systems.
"I think the best part of my job is knowing that I’m doing something important and then going home to my wife at night with a sense of pride and accomplishment,” said Spellane.
Spellane credits his success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Havertown.
“My hometown taught me to remember that friends can help you be successful at anything,” said Spellane. “Family and friends are what’s most important.”
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 fact that serving with this command includes travel. You do things that you cannot do on ships,” said Spellane.
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, Spellane’s proudest achievement is driving and leading a boat crew.
“It's on you to make sure everything on that boat is done correctly and everyone makes it home,” said Spellane.
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Spellane has found reward in service.
“Discipline is the most important lesson I've learned in the Navy. Once you've done what needs to be done, you’ve earned time to rest,” said Spellane.
A Navy electronics technician is responsible for troubleshooting and fixing all Navy electronics systems.
"I think the best part of my job is knowing that I’m doing something important and then going home to my wife at night with a sense of pride and accomplishment,” said Spellane.
Spellane credits his success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Havertown.
“My hometown taught me to remember that friends can help you be successful at anything,” said Spellane. “Family and friends are what’s most important.”
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 fact that serving with this command includes travel. You do things that you cannot do on ships,” said Spellane.
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, Spellane’s proudest achievement is driving and leading a boat crew.
“It's on you to make sure everything on that boat is done correctly and everyone makes it home,” said Spellane.
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Spellane has found reward in service.
“Discipline is the most important lesson I've learned in the Navy. Once you've done what needs to be done, you’ve earned time to rest,” said Spellane.