VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Petty Officer 1st Class Frances Victoria Reiff, a native of Pickerington, Ohio, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Beach Master Unit (BMU) 2, operating out of Virginia Beach, Virginia.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Marieliza Rosales Navy Public Affairs Support Element East |
Reiff graduated from Groveport Madison High School in 2009.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Pickerington.
“Growing up, I learned that you can always find Ohioans anywhere, and we're like a big family,” Reiff said. "It definitely gave me a strong sense of community."
Reiff joined the Navy eight years ago. Today, Reiff serves as an aerographer's mate.
“I wanted to follow in my father's footsteps,” Reiff said. "He was a Sailor, and I wanted to be a Sailor too."
BMU-2 provides tactical components and expertise in support of amphibious operations. The unit enables a smooth beach landing and movement of personnel, equipment and supplies from landing craft, air cushions and mechanized and utility landing craft. Beachmasters are the final link in the chain projecting American Naval Power ashore. Since 1949, BMU-2 assets have been involved in major amphibious exercises and operations in Lebanon, Cuba, Grenada, Desert Storm, Kosovo and Afghanistan.
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.
Reiff has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is when my junior Sailors are able to thrive,” Reiff said. "It gives me so much satisfaction and pride to be able to see others that I've helped grow."
Reiff 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 gives me a bigger purpose,” Reiff said. "It's so special to be a part of something bigger than myself."
Reiff is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'd really love to thank my dad, Al Mutuc,” Reiff said. "Also, I want to give a shout-out to all of my friends back home!"
“My current goal is to become a chief warrant officer,” Reiff said. "I always believe in dreaming big and pushing yourself, so that's what I'm doing."