Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A Newark, Ohio native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Coastal Riverine Squadron (CRS) 2.
A Navy intelligence officer is responsible for security and ensuring information is correctly disseminated.
“My job is always exciting,” said Adair. "It's like putting together a puzzle and we are literally saving lives."
Adair credits his success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Newark.
“Growing up in Newark taught me resiliency and maintaining a positive attitude,” said Adair.
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.
“The people at this command hands down make serving worth it,” said Adair. "They make coming to work easy for me."
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, Adair is most proud of her time with Naval Special Warfare.
“As a woman, I had to kick open doors,” said Adair. "Before I was there not many women had the opportunities that I did. I feel like I paved a pathway for woman to follow in my foot prints and I'm very proud of that."
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Adair has found reward in service.
“The Navy has shown me what patriotism means,” said Adair. "I've learned to value what we have and be more open-minded and accepting. You have to learn to think differently."