By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steve Watterworth
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A 2015 Charles W. Flanagan High School graduate and Pembroke Pines, Florida native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Coastal Riverine Squadron (CRS) 2.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Robert Lawson is a gunner’s mate with the squadron operating out of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
A Navy gunner’s mate is responsible for maintenance and operation of weapons systems and small arms.
“I love my job,” said Lawson. "I think the best part is being able to work on the weapons systems and actually fire them."
Lawson credits his success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Pembroke Pines.
“My hometown taught me to keep my head down, mouth shut, and do the best that I can,” said Lawson. "There’s a strong moral base and accountability factor there."
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.
“I like serving with this command because it gives me the chances to expand my horizons and figure out what to do with my life,” said Lawson. “There are always new things to see and learn.”
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, Lawson is most proud of earning his expeditionary warfare pin.
“I had to sit down, focus on the material, and apply myself to the disciplines that go into earning the pin,” said Lawson.
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Lawson has found reward in service.
“Honestly, it's all about keeping myself in check, focusing, and leading others to do the same by example,” said Lawson.
A Navy gunner’s mate is responsible for maintenance and operation of weapons systems and small arms.
“I love my job,” said Lawson. "I think the best part is being able to work on the weapons systems and actually fire them."
Lawson credits his success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Pembroke Pines.
“My hometown taught me to keep my head down, mouth shut, and do the best that I can,” said Lawson. "There’s a strong moral base and accountability factor there."
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.
“I like serving with this command because it gives me the chances to expand my horizons and figure out what to do with my life,” said Lawson. “There are always new things to see and learn.”
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, Lawson is most proud of earning his expeditionary warfare pin.
“I had to sit down, focus on the material, and apply myself to the disciplines that go into earning the pin,” said Lawson.
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Lawson has found reward in service.
“Honestly, it's all about keeping myself in check, focusing, and leading others to do the same by example,” said Lawson.