Bluejacket of the Quarter: Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Zachery C. Jackson

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Joseph Montemarano | GREAT LAKES, Il. (Dec. 6, 2023) Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Zachery C. Jackson, from Jacksonville, Florida, was selected as the Naval Station Great Lakes Bluejacket of the Quarter, 4th Quarter. Opened in 1911, NSGL is the Navy’s largest training installation and the home of the Navy’s only Boot Camp. Located on over 1600 acres overlooking Lake Michigan, the installation includes 1,153 buildings with 39 on the National Register of Historic Places. NSGL supports over 50 tenant commands and elements as well as over 20,000 Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, and DoD civilians who live and work on the installation. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Joseph E. Montemarano)  

GREAT LAKES, IL, UNITED STATES

12.06.2023

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Joseph Montemarano 

Naval Station Great Lakes

GREAT LAKES, Ill. (Dec. 6, 2023) – Naval Station Great Lakes announced their Sailors of the Quarter for fourth quarter FY23.
Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Zachery C. Jackson, from Jacksonville, Florida, was named Bluejacket of the Quarter for Great Lakes. Jackson works as a military working dog (MWD) handler in the NSGL security department. Jackson has been in the Navy for two years and aboard NSGL for one year.
“This has been a very shocking turn of events for me in regards to being recognized for the actions that I consider to be miniscule,” said Jackson. “My humble response simply comes from my belief of doing the job that I am assigned to do expecting nothing in return let alone being put on a pedestal for those around me to notice my achievement’s, but I encourage those that have the same mindset as me to reach out of their comfort zone for the endless possibilities that are out there.”
As a MWD handler, Jackson is responsible for detection, obedience training, command authorized inspections and random antiterrorism measures in support of security operations. In his capacity as a MWD handler, Jackson has provided K-9 support to the US Secret Service to safeguard the president and vice president of the US, during an official visit to Illinois.
Jackson also supports the Great Lakes Police Department in his role as a sentry and a patrol officer to ensure good order and discipline is maintained onboard Naval Station Great Lakes. He is a qualified line coach helping to train and qualify Sailors in small arms marksmanship.
“The best part of my job is being able to go on missions with other agencies to see how everyone plays a part in the grand scheme of what I do as a K-9 handler,” said Jackson.
For more news from Naval Station Great Lakes, visit www.dvidshub.net/unit/NSGLPA or www.facebook.com/NavalStationGreatLakes.

• Date Taken: 12.06.2023
• Date Posted: 12.13.2023 11:13
• Story ID: 459821
• Location: GREAT LAKES, IL, US
• Hometown: JACKSONVILLE, FL, US