County project manager receives Navy promotion
Jason Marino, a 24-year Navy Veteran and Graham County resident, was promoted to Master Chief earlier this month.
A Navy Seabee, Marino traveled to Greenville for a socially-distanced promotion ceremony.
At the age of 28, Marino originally had interest in joining the United States Air Force, but a friend told him about the Navy Seabees, information which would change his plans.
The United States Navy Seabees – established in 1942 – is a division of the Navy primarily in place to build structures on the front lines, in an effort to house, hospitalize and provide safe travel routes, among many other things. This mission can be seen in the Seabees motto, “We build, we fight.”
They were originally established to support Marine troops during World War II.
In Marino’s 24 years of service, he has seen active duty for about six. During those six years, he has been stationed around the world. He began his journey in New Orleans, where he attended basic training.
After basic, he served in places such as Afghanistan, Sicily, Cuba and others.
As a Master Chief, Marino has many more responsibilities, and the option to promote to Commanding Master Chief after more training.
“It really is like being twice the citizen.” stated Marino. “It’s like having two full-time jobs, having to train regularly, and working for Graham County local government.”
Marino plans on staying in the service for at least six more years.
“It is an absolute honor to serve and I love being a U.S. Navy Seabee,” Marino said. “Life will definitely get easier when I retire, but I know I will miss it very much.”