MILLINGTON, Tenn. – As Americans reflect on the service of military men and women this Veterans Day, some may not realize that they are fellow residents with those who serve in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Andrew Brown, a resident of Fleetwood, Pennsylvania, supports and defends freedom around the world, as a Navy master-at-arms who is responsible for supervising the work center for the Armed Watch Stander program.
Brown is a 2002 Oley Valley High School graduate and also earned a degree from Keystone College in 2008 majoring in sports management.
Reservists seamlessly support and actively aid military missions while continuing to lead their own independent lives in the civilian world, according to Navy officials.
“The Navy Reserve is a 100K strong team of sailors embedded across the fabric of society, loyal and dedicated patriots, serving both in uniform and civilian jobs, ready to defend the homeland and deploy across the world in a moment’s notice,” said Vice Adm. Luke McCollum, Chief of Navy Reserve.
The Navy Reserve provides strategic depth to America’s Navy as it protects the American homeland and advances economic prosperity by preserving freedom of the seas.
In addition to serving in the Navy Reserves, Brown has worked at FM Browns for the past seven years. When it comes to balancing his civilian career with his military service, Brown does recognize there are some difficult parts.
“It can be challenging at times but planning things in advance really helps,” said Brown.
As a Navy reservist Brown serves with Navy Operational Support Center Lehigh Valley and is responsible for maintaining a program that keeps the command and its sailors safe. NOSC Lehigh Valley successfully executes medical/dental readiness, oversight, manpower, management, logistics, and training of 142 Sailors in eight units for mobilization readiness in support of operational missions.
Brown is playing an important part 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, according to Navy officials, 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.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Brown is most proud of earning three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.
“I'm proud of receiving these awards because it's a reflection of the time and effort I put into my work,” said Brown
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Brown and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy means I get to be part of the best military in the world," added Brown. "It's great to meet new people and make lifetime connections.”