VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Master Chief Petty Officer Mark Sawyer, a native of Morgantown, West Virginia, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC), 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 |
Sawyer graduated from Beekmantown High School in 1991.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Morgantown.
“Growing up where I did gave me a strong work ethic,” Sawyer said.
Sawyer joined the Navy 30 years ago. Today, Sawyer serves as a Navy diver.
“I wanted to expand my experiences in life,” Sawyer said. "I had just gotten out of college, and this seemed like my best option for doing that."
Headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) provides oversight, training and support for the Navy’s expeditionary forces worldwide. From EOD technicians and Seabees to maritime security and logistics sailors, NECC integrates these specialized communities into a ready force capable of deploying quickly and operating wherever they’re needed. A dedicated civilian workforce stands alongside uniformed personnel, ensuring the command has the depth and expertise to keep pace with evolving missions.
NECC’s focus is clear: Arrive on Station, Stay on Station, and Sustain the Fight. By building readiness at home and enabling operations abroad, NECC ensures that expeditionary sailors are equipped, trained, and prepared to deliver when the Navy and the nation call.
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.
Sawyer has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I've done a lot in the Navy over 30 years, so I can't really name one thing I'm the most proud of,” Sawyer said. "I guess I could say that I'm just proud of continuing to complete the mission."
Sawyer serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving to me means sacrifice and dedication to the United States and to the people of this country,” Sawyer said. "I do everything for them and freedom."
Sawyer is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd like to thank my entire family,” Sawyer said. "Without their support, I wouldn't have been able to focus on the mission and get things done."
“I appreciate the entire Navy family for being able to help me give back,” Sawyer said.