VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Jason Palmer, a native of Madison Heights, Michigan, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Maritime Expeditionary Security Group (MESG) 2, part of the Navy’s expeditionary force.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Marieliza Rosales Navy Public Affairs Support Element East |
Palmer graduated from Clawson High School in 2012.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Madison Heights.
“I grew up playing baseball and having that level of dicipline helped,” Palmer said. "Playing sports made the transition into the Navy easier because you're part of a team."
Palmer joined the Navy 10 years ago. Today, Palmer serves as an information systems technician.
“I mainly joined for school opportunities,” Palmer said. "I wanted to see more of the world, and I wanted a career."
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.
Palmer has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment was being on the COVID deployment on CVN 69, I spent 206 days out at sea,” Palmer said. "I'm one of the only people to say they've been able to complete that deployment."
Palmer serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving gives me a purpose while I work,” Palmer said. "Knowing that what I'm working for is for the mission is amazing."
Palmer is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd like to thank my three kids and my girlfriend, I do this for them,” Palmer said. "My girlfriend is also in the Navy, she's a CTR1. She understands what I do."
“I'm doing this to set my children up for a better future,” Palmer said. "Everything I do is to set them up for an easier life."