Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A 2007 Oceanside High School graduate and Oceanside, New York native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Coastal Riverine Squadron (CRS) 2.
NORFOLK – A 2007 Oceanside High School graduate and Oceanside, New York native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Coastal Riverine Squadron (CRS) 2.
A Navy surface warfare officer is responsible for small boat security operations.
“My job is an adventure,” said Rozell. "Every day is something new. There are a lot of opportunities to travel and experience new things."
Rozell credits his success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Oceanside.
“My hometown gave me a never-give-up attitude,” said Rozell. "There will always be challenges, but as long as you keep trying you will get to where you need to be."
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 here is a unique opportunity for me to take my own patrol out,” said Rozell. "It's on me to plan and execute the mission no matter what it is."
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, Rozell is most proud of returning safely from deployment.
“We recently returned from deployment without losing anyone or any equipment,” said Rozell. "We executed the mission and everyone came home safe."
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Rozell has found reward in service.
“The Navy has taught me how to work with different types of people,” said Rozell. "Everyone has different backgrounds, they work differently and to be a good leader you have to understand that and work with them."