By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steve Watterworth
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A 1993 Eghosa Grammar School graduate and Junction City, Kansas native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Coastal Riverine Squadron (CRS) 2.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Stephen Adjarho is a personnel specialist with the squadron operating out of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
A Navy personnel specialist is responsible for administrative duties, such as pay, orders, and benefits.
"I think the best part of my job is ensuring the accuracy in processing records,” said Adjarho.
Adjarho credits his success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Junction City.
“My hometown taught me to be humble, and resolute,"“ said Adjarho.
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 with this command I’ve learned a great deal outside of my rate, which will benefit me in the civilian world,” said Adjarho.
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, Adjarho is most proud of taking care of the records for five deployment areas.
“I’m very proud that I was able to transition more than 105 reservists to deploy with us,” said Adjarho. “There was 100 percent accuracy in this process.”
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Adjarho has found reward in service.
“The Navy taught me to be courageous and resilient at the same time,” said Adjarho. “To stand up to any situation with a positive attitude.”
A Navy personnel specialist is responsible for administrative duties, such as pay, orders, and benefits.
"I think the best part of my job is ensuring the accuracy in processing records,” said Adjarho.
Adjarho credits his success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Junction City.
“My hometown taught me to be humble, and resolute,"“ said Adjarho.
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 with this command I’ve learned a great deal outside of my rate, which will benefit me in the civilian world,” said Adjarho.
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, Adjarho is most proud of taking care of the records for five deployment areas.
“I’m very proud that I was able to transition more than 105 reservists to deploy with us,” said Adjarho. “There was 100 percent accuracy in this process.”
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Adjarho has found reward in service.
“The Navy taught me to be courageous and resilient at the same time,” said Adjarho. “To stand up to any situation with a positive attitude.”