WASHINGTON, D.C. - A native of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, is currently stationed in the nation’s capital serving with U.S. Naval District Washington.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Amber A. Weingart, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Petty Officer 1st Class Greyson Harrelson attended Harnett Central High School and graduated in 2009. Today, Harrelson uses skills and values similar to those learned in Fuquay-Varina.
“The life lesson I have carried over from my hometown to my naval career is leadership,” said Harrelson. "While I was in high school, I did four years of JROTC. There, I held leadership positions early on in my youth that prepared me for my Naval career."
These lessons continue to help Harrelson while serving in the military.
With the nation’s capital at its heart, the region encompasses more than 4,000 square miles, including the District of Columbia; the Maryland counties of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Carroll, Charles, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery, Prince Georges, St. Mary’s, The City of Baltimore and Bloodsworth Island; and Virginia counties of Arlington, Caroline, Fairfax, Fauquier, King George, Loudoun, Prince William, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and Westmoreland.
Naval District Washington is the regional provider of common operating support to naval installations within a 100-mile radius of the Pentagon. Services provided include public affairs, public works, public safety, community support, human resources, information technology, morale, welfare and recreation, supply, air and port operations, ceremonial support and environmental and safety.
Serving in the Navy means Harrelson is part of a team 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.
“My job in the Navy plays a big role in national security, as we contribute to the moral and religious freedoms of the Navy warfighters and their families,” said Harrelson. “Our responsibilities involve keeping their operational and personal stress at bay while they continue to protect and defend the nation and the freedom of the seas.”
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
Harrelson and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am most proud of meritoriously being promoted to petty officer first class and also being selected as the Naval District Washington Sailor of the Year in the same year: 2020,” said Harrelson. “At the time, this achievement proved to me that hard work and dedication comes with rewards and a sense of accomplishment.”
As Harrelson and other sailors continue to train and perform the missions they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.“Serving in the Navy means that I can contribute to the formation of the next generation of sailors by using past leadership experiences and mentorship from my predecessors,” added Harrelson. "It means that I am making a difference at a deeper level of emotional and spiritual strength contributing directly to the wellbeing of others serving in the Navy."