Photo By Staff Sgt. Dylan Murakami | Petty Officer 2nd Class Marquis Whitehead, a native of Jacksonville, North Carolina is...... read more read more
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CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti – Petty Officer 2nd Class Marquis Whitehead, a native of Jacksonville, North Carolina is a Navy Reserve mass communication specialist in charge of telling the Navy’s story through video, imagery, and story production and was recognized as the Camp Lemonnier Member in the Spotlight, Feb. 24, 2020. Located in an austere environment, Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti is a U.S. Navy base located in the Horn of Africa and is the only enduring U.S. military base on the continent of Africa.
“I am extremely proud of Petty Officer Whitehead and congratulate him on his nomination as the Camp Lemonnier Member in the Spotlight,” said Master Chief Bruce Forester, command master chief of Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti. “It’s not easy being deployed from home to an environment like the one we have here, but Petty Officer Whitehead exemplifies the Navy’s core values of honor, courage and commitment and is an outstanding representative of our command and our nation.”
Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti provides, operates, and sustains superior service in support of combat readiness and security of ships, aircraft, detachments and personnel for regional and combatant command requirements, enabling operations and providing stability in the Horn of Africa while fostering positive U.S.-African Nations relations.
Whitehead, a 2003 graduate of Jacksonville High School, credits his success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Jacksonville.
“My dad is a Marine veteran, so growing up we were used to discipline in our house,” Whitehead said. “I learned to see things through—once you commit, you finish it.”
According to Navy officials, maintaining maritime superiority is a vital part of a Navy that is present today and prepared for tomorrow. The impact affects Americans and their interests around the world, as more than 70 percent of the Earth is covered by water and 90 percent of all trade travels by sea.
“We demand the highest standards from our sailors—both professionally and personally,” said Capt. Ken Crowe, commanding officer of Camp Lemmonier, Djibouti. “Petty Officer Whitehead is the epitome of these standards and his exemplary behavior is an example of how all military members should carry themselves every day as an ambassador of the United States of America at home and abroad.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Whitehead is most proud of being able to mentor others.
“Mentoring other junior sailors is what I enjoy, even if it helps them to advance faster than I do,” said Whitehead. “Knowing that I helped them get there makes me feel just as proud of their accomplishments.”
Whitehead comes from a history of military service, including his dad, uncles, and five of his younger cousins. In at least 15 members of his family have served in the military.
“It feels good to come from a family who serves,” Whitehead said. “When we get together, it’s a lot of light-hearted jokes among us with branch jokes and rivalries.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Whitehead and other sailors stationed at Camp Lemonnier and around the world know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.
“The opportunity to travel is my favorite part about being a part of the Navy,” Whitehead said. “When I’m called to do my job, I know that the news I cover is the world’s real-time news and knowing that I’m a part of that just makes the job even more rewarding.”
| Date Taken: | 02.27.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 02.27.2020 06:14 |
| Story ID: | 363991 |
| Location: | CAMP LEMONNIER, DJ |
| Hometown: | JACKSONVILLE, NC, US |
| Web Views: | 496 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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