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MILLINGTON, Tenn. — For Logistics Specialist 1st Class (LS1) Hakeem Lunkin, the road to Navy Reserve Recruiting Command (NRRC) wasn’t a straight one — it was built on persistence, adaptability, and a steady drive to serve. Lunkin began his Navy journey in 2012 through the Delayed Entry Program and left for boot camp in February 2013. After completing A-school at the Navy Technical Training Center in Meridian, Mississippi, he initially questioned whether Navy Reserve life was right for him.
“It was during A-school when I truly realized that being a reservist might not have been what I wanted to do,” he recalled.
After graduating from A-school, Lunkin remained at Navy Reserve Center (NRC) Meridian as a drilling reservist while building a civilian career as team lead at Sam’s Club. As a reservist drilling only once a month, he also used his time to pursue an associate degree in nursing.
“Drilling once a month felt underwhelming,” he said. “Maybe it would have been better had I begun my journey on active-duty. With the time I did have, I developed myself.”
Determined to find a deeper connection to the service, Lunkin spoke to his commanding officer, who advised him to apply for opportunities through ZipServe. He was eventually selected for an assignment at Isa Air Base, Bahrain, in 2017.
In Bahrain, Lunkin served as an aviation supply technician, driving and operating heavy machinery to load and unload cargo from aircraft.
“I went out there as an E-4 and left as an E-5,” Lunkin said. “That experience made me realize that starting as a reservist didn’t make active duty out of reach.”
After returning home, Lunkin supported the Navy Recruiting Command’s N3R Prior Service department in 2019, maintaining a critical support role for prior service recruiting operations.
“That was when I got one step closer to the world of recruiting,” said Lunkin.
His next assignment took him to Kuwait in December 2021, where he served as an accounting analyst at Joint Task Force–Operation Inherent Resolve. Working in a joint command environment, Lunkin was exposed to systems across all military branches and advanced to the rank of first class petty officer.
“It was unique because I was using Army systems and serving as the senior enlisted leader,” he said. After leaving Kuwait in July 2022, Lunkin took a short break from uniformed service, working as a FedEx driver. By April 2023, he was ready to return and joined NRRC as a logistics specialist.
Now, as NRRC’s supply department leading petty officer, Lunkin ensures subordinate commands and field sites have the resources they need to complete their mission — from budgeting and procurement to travel and contracting support.
“I’ve learned that every step, even the uncertain ones, prepared me for this,” he said. “Whether in Bahrain, Kuwait, or here at NRRC, I just focus on helping the mission move forward.”
At NRRC, Lunkin manages budgeting, procurement, contracting, travel, and vehicle programs, ensuring subordinate commands and sites have the operational support they need to fulfill their daily missions. While much of his work happens behind the scenes, it has a direct impact on Navy Reserve recruiting.
“I’m told my work allows recruiters to bring prior service members into the Reserve, whether through supplying necessary assets, equipment, or facilities,” he explained.
A typical day for Lunkin involves troubleshooting roadblocks that field commands encounter and collaborating with other organizations and civilian counterparts to overcome funding, logistical, or system-related hurdles. One project he is particularly proud of is the command’s realty and facilities leasing program, where he has helped acquire commercial real estate to support operational needs.
Lunkin describes his leadership style as “laid back,” presenting tasks and timelines while allowing Sailors to execute them effectively.
When asked what separates a good Sailor from a great one, Lunkin points to adaptability and an open mind. He cites the biggest challenge of his career as initially settling for a Reserve contract out of concern about losing touch with active-duty peers. His solution has been to stay knowledgeable and pursue every opportunity to learn something new.
“I jump in and go. I see challenges head-on and focus on achieving the goal,” he said.
Looking forward, Lunkin aspires to pursue traditional active-duty Navy assignments as an officer, viewing commissioning as a second opportunity to serve in the capacity he envisioned when he first joined the Navy.
Whether behind a desk managing logistics to support recruiters in the field or on mobilization orders abroad, LS1 Lunkin’s dedication demonstrates how essential roles behind the scenes are to the Navy’s mission.
| Date Taken: | 10.30.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 10.31.2025 12:11 |
| Story ID: | 550581 |
| Location: | MILLINGTON, TENNESSEE, US |
| Web Views: | 138 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, LS1 Lunkin’s Journey Behind Navy Reserve Recruiting, by LTJG Adelola Tinubu, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
