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CHARLESTON, S.C. — Crewmembers at Coast Guard Station Charleston hosted a Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps member during a unit visit, Tuesday.
While visiting with his family, Station Charleston crewmembers also helped Marcus Stover earn his on-water certification for the JROTC.
Stover, a 15-year-old student and a Petty Officer 3rd Class in the Navy JROTC, was given a full access tour along with a ride aboard a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium, during the visit. In addition to earning his rank, Stover has also earned the title of Captain of the Rifle Team in the JROTC.
“Our crew here at Station was amazed with Marcus,” said Senior Chief Petty Officer Justin Longval, a boatswain's mate and the officer in charge of Station Charleston. “This young man, despite the challenges he has faced, has accomplished so much. We were very interested in hearing this young man's story and we were especially interested in helping him earn his certification.”
During the tour, Stover and his family learned about he history of the Coast Guard, the service’s traditions and how Coast Guardsmen serve communities throughout the nation. After the tour, the family went aboard the RBM for their ride.
While aboard, the crew discussed the history of Charleston Harbor and got to know the family. Stover was then given the opportunity to operate the RBM. The crew gave him instructions and showed him how to control the vessel. Stover took command of the RBM and navigated it through the Cooper River, going under the Arthur Ravenel Bridge and past the Wando container terminal.
Upon their return to Station Charleston, the crew presented Stover with a boat crewmember certificate and a Challenge Coin from the unit.
“We get requests all the time from civilian personnel to come to the station and see what we do,” said Longval. “Most of the time, it’s from friends or family members of folks that are stationed here or were stationed here at one time. This request was special, as we were able to engrain a positive lasting memory into the mind of a young man that earned his place in the Navy JROTC program and now in the U.S. Coast Guard.”
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