VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – The U.S. Navy owns many large submarines, ships and aircraft carriers that need to be protected when operating at sea and close to the shore. A special group of sailors is charged with protecting these Navy investments.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Klineizquierdo |
The Maritime Expeditionary Security Force (MESF) operates ashore, at sea and in the waters of harbors, rivers, bays and across the littorals. The primary focus of MESF is to conduct maritime security operations. They do this by providing port and harbor security as well as security for high-value units, like aircraft carriers and submarines, on coastal waterways and ashore.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Reed Croce, a native of Stafford, Virginia, is one of these sailors serving at Maritime Security Squadron 2, which is responsible for protecting the Navy’s maritime platforms and port infrastructure.
Croce graduated from Mountain View High School in 2016.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Stafford.
“My father instilled in me that a strong work ethic was essential,” said Croce. “He was a Marine major and he didn’t take no for an answer. This has served me well in the military.”
Croce originally joined the Marine Corps, but after four years he decided to switch to the Navy where he has served for the last three years. Today, Croce serves as a master-at-arms.
“During my time in the Marine Corps I had the chance to work with Navy Corpsmen and I liked what I saw,” said Croce. “I don’t regret enlisting in the Marine Corps, but I’m happy I came over to the Navy.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Croce serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Croce has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was earning my expeditionary warfare pin with MSRON 2,” said Croce. “It gave me a sense of pride because all of my hard work came to fruition and paid off.”
Croce can take pride in serving America through military service.
“I feel a great sense of patriotism in serving,” said Croce. “It also means a lot to me to carry on the family tradition.”
Croce is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my wife, Brooke, for being with me every step of the way,” added Croce. “We have been together since high school and she and our daughter, Bailey, mean the world to me.”
Croce is looking toward their future after military service
“I want to get to 20 years of honorable service,” added Croce. “After my time in the military is complete, I think I would like to work for the FBI.”