JTF Guantanamo Soldier Reenlists Underwater

Photo By Sgt. Michael Baltz | Army Sgt. Harry Schwarz, a training non-commissioned officer with Joint Task Force Guantanamo's 189th Military Police Company, re-enlists underwater at U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Oct. 30. This reenlistment separates itself from others because of the location; the chance to have a military reenlistment ceremony underwater, while deployed, is a lasting memory.  

GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA

11.06.2009

Courtesy Story

Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba — Army Sgt. Harry Schwarz, a training non-commissioned officer with Joint Task Force Guantanamo's 189th Military Police Company, reenlisted underwater at U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Oct. 30.

The opportunity for a Soldier to serve at Joint Task Force Guantanamo makes for a lasting memory. The chance to have a military underwater reenlistment ceremony during your deployment is a memory that will last forever.

"I did the first one in front of the United States disciplinary barracks at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas," Schwarz said. "The second one was in the Buffalo Soldiers Monument. I was knee-deep in the fountain."

This reenlistment differs from the others because of its underwater location at a dive site known as the "mic boat," a deep sea boat wreck. The ability to choose your reenlistment ceremony location is a pleasant perk to many enlisted military members deciding to dedicate their time to the military. JTF Guantanamo offers many locations service members can use for their reenlistment ceremony. This time it was a request of an aquatic environment for Swartz.

"We go diving every weekend, so it is only fitting that he reenlist out here," said Army Capt. Suzanne Redente, the 189th MP Company commander. "We are lucky to have him around."

After nine years of service, Schwarz, a Williamstown, N.J., native, said he looks to retire from the military. He signed a six-year extension that granted him orders to Fort Bragg, N.C. This is the third time he has reenlisted.

"The next one will be bigger, and I plan on going out with a bang with my last reenlistment," Schwarz said.

For more information about Joint Task Force Guantanamo, visit the Web site at www.jtfgtmo.southcom.mil

• Date Taken: 11.06.2009
• Date Posted: 11.13.2009 17:24
• Story ID: 41555
• Location: GUANTANAMO BAY, CU