By Mr. Dusty Good
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A 1991 Ritenour High School graduate and St. Louis, Missouri native is serving as commanding officer in the U.S. Navy with Coastal Riverine Squadron (CRS) 2.
Cmdr. Joseph (Joe) Droll commands the squadron operating out of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
As commanding officer, Droll is responsible for overseeing all operations of the unit.
“I like that I get to watch my sailors get an opportunity to lead individuals at an early stage in their career,” said Droll. "I like to help ensure they overcome obstacles and make sure the mission is met."
Droll credits his success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of St. Louis.
“My hometown never pressured me into a direction after high school,” said Droll. "I was left to do what I always wanted to do and join the military. It taught me to let people make their own decisions and they have to learn to stand on their own."
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 that this command has a can-do attitude,” said Droll. "All of our squadrons have terrific records and personnel but we seem to have that extra little something that makes me enjoy working with everybody."
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 Droll. “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, Droll is most proud of serving on his first ship.
“I got to go to a big deck amphib as an ensign, which was intimidating, but getting my surface warfare pin and officer-of-the-deck qualification was a great accomplishment,” said Droll. “But being selected as commanding officer is also one of my proudest accomplishments.”
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Droll has found reward in service.
“The most important thing the Navy has taught me is acceptance,” said Droll. "There are some things people can do and some things people can't. You have to learn how to maximize what people can accomplish.”
“I like that I get to watch my sailors get an opportunity to lead individuals at an early stage in their career,” said Droll. "I like to help ensure they overcome obstacles and make sure the mission is met."
Droll credits his success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of St. Louis.
“My hometown never pressured me into a direction after high school,” said Droll. "I was left to do what I always wanted to do and join the military. It taught me to let people make their own decisions and they have to learn to stand on their own."
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 that this command has a can-do attitude,” said Droll. "All of our squadrons have terrific records and personnel but we seem to have that extra little something that makes me enjoy working with everybody."
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 Droll. “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, Droll is most proud of serving on his first ship.
“I got to go to a big deck amphib as an ensign, which was intimidating, but getting my surface warfare pin and officer-of-the-deck qualification was a great accomplishment,” said Droll. “But being selected as commanding officer is also one of my proudest accomplishments.”
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Droll has found reward in service.
“The most important thing the Navy has taught me is acceptance,” said Droll. "There are some things people can do and some things people can't. You have to learn how to maximize what people can accomplish.”