By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steve Watterworth
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A 2014 Timberland High School graduate and Wentzville, Missouri native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Coastal Riverine Squadron (CRS) 2.
Seaman Joseph Williams is a master-at-arms with the squadron operating out of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
A Navy master at arms is responsible for security and law enforcement.
"I think the best part of my job is the people I meet and work with,” said Williams."
Williams credits his success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Wentzville.
“My hometown taught me to always care about the people you work with,” said Williams. "It's a moral base and a respect factor of where I came from."
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 serving with this command has allowed me to live in Dubai for 6 months,” said Williams.
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, Williams is most proud of earning an expeditionary warfare pin.
“Earning my pin was a right of passage proving that I knew my job skills,” said Williams. “It meant I was no longer the new guy at the command.”
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Williams has found reward in service.
“The Navy has taught me to keep your head on a swivel and always have the guy’s back who is next to you,” said Williams.
A Navy master at arms is responsible for security and law enforcement.
"I think the best part of my job is the people I meet and work with,” said Williams."
Williams credits his success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Wentzville.
“My hometown taught me to always care about the people you work with,” said Williams. "It's a moral base and a respect factor of where I came from."
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 serving with this command has allowed me to live in Dubai for 6 months,” said Williams.
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, Williams is most proud of earning an expeditionary warfare pin.
“Earning my pin was a right of passage proving that I knew my job skills,” said Williams. “It meant I was no longer the new guy at the command.”
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Williams has found reward in service.
“The Navy has taught me to keep your head on a swivel and always have the guy’s back who is next to you,” said Williams.