By Mr. Dusty Good
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A 2008 Battlefield High School graduate and Haymarket, Virginia native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Coastal Riverine Squadron (CRS) 2.
A Navy surface warfare officer is responsible for leading and developing sailors in the surface fleet.
“I like that my job allows me to work with a very diverse group of sailors,” said Kim. "It's been a great exposure to America as a whole."
Kim credits his success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Haymarket.
“My hometown taught me to be a good person and work hard,” said Kim. "You have to stay true to yourself and take care of the people around you."
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.
“Serving at this command means working with a very different group of people than anywhere else in the Navy,” said Kim. "I've worked with divers, EOD, and standard surface rates."
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, Kim is most proud of supporting NATO during the 2016 Syrian refugee crisis.
“We were in the area working with other NATO countries to support the mission of safety of life at sea,” said Kim. "We made sure people weren't drowning or starving and I'm proud of that."
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Kim has found reward in service.
“The Navy has taught me the value of empowering others,” said Kim. "People do better work when they are a part of the team, and their opinions matter.”