Photo By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jackson G. Brown
NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN – Chief Petty Officer Melissa Doe, a Sylvania, Georgia, native, joined the Navy because she wanted to try something different.
“The most exciting part of this position is being able to train junior sailors,” said Doe. “The most challenging at times being away from my family.”
Doe, a 1995 graduate of Screven County High, is a boatswain's mate at NSA Bahrain, forward-deployed to the Arabian Gulf region in the Navy’s U.S. 5th Fleet.
“As a Navy Chief Boatswain's Mate, I am responsible for training ships personnel in various deck operations,” said Doe.
Doe credits success in Bahrain, and in the Navy, to many of the lessons learned in Sylvania.
“Having the strength and courage to keep pushing,” said Doe. “Never giving up and trying my best to succeed at everything I do.”
U.S. 5th Fleet directs naval operations to ensure maritime security and stability in the Central Region, which connects the Mediterranean Sea and Pacific Ocean through the western Indian Ocean. They work with partner nations to ensure freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in international waterways.
NSA Bahrain enables the forward operations and responsiveness of U.S. 5th Fleet and allied forces in support of Navy Region Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia's mission to provide services to the fleet, warfighter and family.
“I conduct training on the proper methods for accomplishing deck operations, and then I assess the sailors as they complete their tasks,” said Doe. “They are responsible for performing at the level they were trained.”
The Navy’s U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of ocean, and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. This expanse, comprised of 20 countries, includes three critical choke points; the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.
Serving in the Navy means Doe is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
“I’m incredibly proud to serve with each of our Sailors, Coastguardsmen and Marines forward-deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations,” said Rear Admiral Paul Schlise, deputy commander for NAVCENT/ U.S. 5th Fleet. “They represent the very best of our country and serve as volunteers in a complex and dynamic region that’s vital to our security. I am honored to work alongside these warriors.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Doe is most proud of My greatest accomplishment was getting advanced to Chief Petty Officer in 2009.
“My goal was to make first class petty officer and I exceeded that goal,” said Doe.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Doe and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing the Navy the nation needs.
“It means that I am doing something great for my country and helping my family. I am training and mentoring junior sailors and junior officers,” said Doe.