VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Petty Officer 3rd Class Bryon Morrison, a native of Barberton, Ohio, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron Two (MSRON-2), part of the Navy’s expeditionary force.
Morrison graduated from Barberton High School in 2022.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Barberton.
“Growing up, I learned to treat everybody with respect and have fun with life,” Morrison said. “It’s helped me because I haven’t gotten into trouble. It also helps me not take everything so seriously and reminds me to take things with a grain of salt.”
Morrison joined the Navy three years ago. Today, Morrison serves as a gunner’s mate.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to travel the world,” Morrison said. “I always liked being on the water, and I like to swim, so the Navy seemed like a good fit.”
MSRON-2 falls under the command of Maritime Expeditionary Security Group (MESG) 2, headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia. MESG-2 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.
Morrison has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of being able to lead my junior sailors,” Morrison said. “The Navy is just basically a regular job, but being able to help lead people, help change their lives and be a person they can call when they need help is rewarding.”
Morrison 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 means being able to defend the people who can’t defend themselves and being able to defend freedom,” Morrison said.
Morrison is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank Gunner’s Mate 1st Class Clifford Johnson,” Morrison said. “He’s been a great mentor and a good friend. He’s gotten me to where I am today.”