South Mills native serves with U.S. Navy in Japan

South Mills native serves with U.S. Navy in Japan

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jerry Jimenez, Navy Office of Community Outreach

Petty Officer 2nd Class Santiel Creekmore, a native of South Mills, North Carolina, serves the U.S. Navy in Japan.

Creekmore attended Camden County High School and graduated in 2015. Creekmore joined the Navy five years ago.  “I joined the Navy to travel the world and expand my opportunities,” said Creekmore.

Today, Creekmore serves as an electronics technician with Naval Beach Unit (NBU) 7. Skills and values learned in the Navy are similar to those found in South Mills. “I learned to always do the best you can, no matter what it is you’re doing,” said Creekmore.

According to Navy officials, NBU 7 empowers forward-deployed U.S. and Allied Forces while providing superior support to military members and their families.

Creekmore serves in Japan as part of the Forward Deployed Naval Forces. These naval forces operate with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Service members in this region are part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, which has the largest area of responsibility in the world.

“As the largest force in our nation’s front line against revisionist actors, U.S. Pacific Fleet meets this great responsibility with strength, resolve and confidence,” said Adm. Samuel Paparo, U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander. “Together with our joint and combined partner operations, we are positioned to defend – across all domains – any attempts to threaten our nation, our allies and partner’s security, freedom and well-being.”

As a member of the Navy, Creekmore is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“The Navy contributes to national defense by deterring adversaries and maintaining free passage of the seas for trading routes,” said Creekmore.

As Creekmore and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

“Serving in the Navy means the world to me,” said Creekmore. “The opportunities to visit new places and interact with locals on a daily basis opens your eyes to how diverse the world truly is.”

Creekmore is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I would like to thank my mom for pushing me not to be afraid to explore new opportunities,” added Creekmore.