By Mr. Dusty Good
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A 2004 Bailey Magnet High School graduate and Jackson, Mississippi native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Coastal Riverine Squadron (CRS) 2.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Jacqueline Smith is a personnel specialist with the squadron operating out of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
A Navy personnel specialist is responsible for supervising human resources.
“I like that my job allows me to work with people,” said Smith. "I enjoy dealing with different people and situations on a day-to-day basis and helping people."
Smith credits his success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Jackson.
“My hometown taught me to stay humble,” said Smith. "Staying true to my moral compass and always be willing to help comes from my hometown."
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 has missions and training that we go through that is very exciting,” said Smith. "Even an office person will encounter different situations outside the office."
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, Smith is most proud of setting and achieving goals.
“I enjoy seeing the sailors that I have helped and watched them advance in their career,” said Smith. "It makes a better life for them and their family."
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Smith has found reward in service.
“The Navy has taught me the importance of working hard,” said Smith. "Hard work does pay off and has an impact on your life and others, whether it's big or small."
A Navy personnel specialist is responsible for supervising human resources.
“I like that my job allows me to work with people,” said Smith. "I enjoy dealing with different people and situations on a day-to-day basis and helping people."
Smith credits his success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Jackson.
“My hometown taught me to stay humble,” said Smith. "Staying true to my moral compass and always be willing to help comes from my hometown."
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 has missions and training that we go through that is very exciting,” said Smith. "Even an office person will encounter different situations outside the office."
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, Smith is most proud of setting and achieving goals.
“I enjoy seeing the sailors that I have helped and watched them advance in their career,” said Smith. "It makes a better life for them and their family."
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Smith has found reward in service.
“The Navy has taught me the importance of working hard,” said Smith. "Hard work does pay off and has an impact on your life and others, whether it's big or small."