By Mr. Dusty Good
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A 2012 Jesse Bethel High School graduate and Vallejo, California native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Coastal Riverine Squadron (CRS) 2.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Jaycelle Stuart is a engineman with the squadron operating out of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
A Navy engineman is responsible for operating and maintaining the engines on the patrol boats.
“I like the work that I do,” said Stuart. "I like to be hands on and get dirty."
Stuart credits her success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Vallejo.
“My hometown taught me that you use whatever obstacle you encounter as a chance to succeed and do better,” said Stuart.
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.
“This command gives me the chance to deploy all over the world,” said Stuart. "And the people are what makes the command great."
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, Stuart is most proud of being promoted to second class petty officer.
“There aren't many women in my job field so making rank shows that I have the knowledge to be able to be promoted and take on more responsibility,” said Stuart.
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Stuart has found reward in service.
“The Navy has taught me that you don't have to be scared to ask for help with any problems,” said Stuart. "People are out there to help you."
A Navy engineman is responsible for operating and maintaining the engines on the patrol boats.
“I like the work that I do,” said Stuart. "I like to be hands on and get dirty."
Stuart credits her success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Vallejo.
“My hometown taught me that you use whatever obstacle you encounter as a chance to succeed and do better,” said Stuart.
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.
“This command gives me the chance to deploy all over the world,” said Stuart. "And the people are what makes the command great."
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, Stuart is most proud of being promoted to second class petty officer.
“There aren't many women in my job field so making rank shows that I have the knowledge to be able to be promoted and take on more responsibility,” said Stuart.
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Stuart has found reward in service.
“The Navy has taught me that you don't have to be scared to ask for help with any problems,” said Stuart. "People are out there to help you."