By Mr. Dusty Good
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tom Gagnier
NORFOLK – A 2009 Naches Valley High School graduate and Yakima, Washington native is serving in the U.S. Navy with Coastal Riverine Squadron (CRS) 2.
A Navy master-at-arms (MA) is responsible for security operations.
“My job provides a lot of job opportunities outside of the Navy,” said Snyder. "I like that it gives me the chance to work and help out the military community."
Snyder credits his success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in his hometown of Yakima.
“My hometown taught me that hard work will get you to where you need to be and want to be,” said Snyder.
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 has presented me with great opportunities to be a part of something bigger than myself,” said Snyder. "I am the only MA in the Navy that gets to work on the MK-VI patrol boat."
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, Snyder is most proud of becoming lead navigator of the MK-VI.
“Based on my ability to work and learn and do a job very well I was provided the opportunity to work on this platform,” said Snyder. "It keeps me from being limited in my job."
While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Snyder has found reward in service.
“The Navy has helped me become more mature,” said Snyder. "Through the year, I've grown up and realized there is a lot more to the world than I ever thought."