VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Joshua Douglas, a native of Greenville, Texas, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Maritime Expeditionary Security Group (MESG) 2, part of the Navy’s expeditionary force.
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Marieliza Rosales Navy Public Affairs Support Element East |
Douglas graduated from North Forney High School in 2018.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Greenville.
“I learned growing up how to be social,” Douglas said. "It was really diverse where I grew up, and I was always making friends through high school. It translated well to the Navy."
Douglas joined the Navy six years ago. Today, Douglas serves as a gunner's mate.
“I joined because I was in between jobs, and I needed a better opportunity,” Douglas said. "I wanted something secure."
Maritime Expeditionary Security Group (MESG) 2, headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia, delivers the Navy’s front line of defense in coastal waters and ports around the globe. Its sailors are trained to patrol harbors, escort high-value ships, and guard maritime chokepoints where danger is most likely to appear. Whether operating from fast patrol craft or shoreside security positions, they ensure freedom of movement for U.S. and allied forces in contested environments.
MESG-2’s mission is built on vigilance and quiet strength. Their presence may not always make headlines, but their work underpins the safety of every operation that begins or ends at sea. In the littorals — where a small gap in security can have outsized consequences — MESG-2 stands as a constant, capable force, committed to keeping the Navy’s lifelines secure.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
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.
Douglas has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“Definitely, making it through my second deployment in the Red Sea is my proudest accomplishment,” Douglas said. "We had to stand watch a lot, and it was really stressful, but I'm proud to have gotten through it."
Douglas serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy to me is something to be proud of,” Douglas said. “I know that anyone can do it if they want to.”
Douglas is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank Gunner's Mate 1st Class Johnson; he was an amazing mentor for me,” Douglas said. "I didn’t really know what it was like on a ship, and he helped me out a lot there. He made work fun."