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Sailor Receives Bronze Star with Valor
(November 29, 2010) | 
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VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (NNS - 11/24/2010 ) -- An Assault Craft Unit 4 Sailor was
presented the Bronze Star with Valor at an awards ceremony Nov. 23.
Chief Hull Technician Nathanael Crossett, who previously served with Riverine
Squadron (RIVRON) 1, received the award for his heroic achievements in
connection with combat operations as a mission support site primary Joint
Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) for a Joint Task Force (JTF) in support of
Operation Enduring Freedom. |
A JTAC's responsibilities range from directing the action of combat
aircraft, calling in artillery, mortar and naval surface fire missions, as
well has handling close air support and other offensive air operations.
JTACs are authorized to control and maneuver aircraft, and grant weapons
release authority to attacking aircraft.
"It's a great honor to be able to be put in a position to be able to fight
for our country," said Crossett.
"My five-year stay as an expeditionary Sailor was probably the best time of
my career, I owe a lot to the expeditionary community."
While stationed with RIVRON 1 as a hull technician 1st class, Crossett was
temporarily assigned to the JTF, where his Forward Operating Base was
attacked by multiple enemy fighters, including bombardment of mortars, heavy
machine gun fire, |
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VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (Nov. 23, 2010) Capt. K.C. Levins, commanding officer of Assault Craft Unit 4, awards Chief Hull Technician Nathanael Crossett a Bronze Star medal with Valor during an awards ceremony. Crossett, who was previously assigned to Riverine Squadron 1, earned the award following his actions during Operation Enduring Freedom where he was assigned to a Joint Task Force as a Joint Terminal Air Controller. Crossett wore a ceremonial River Patrol Black Beret, which was awarded to him by the Gamewardens of Vietnam Association during his tour with RIVRON 1. |
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rocket propelled grenades and sniper fire. |
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Crossett coordinated and directed separate close-air support assets and
artillery fire to suppress the enemy attack. His actions saved the lives of
Americans and Afghans, and resulted in an enemy withdrawal from the immediate
area.
Crossett, now assigned to Assault Craft Unit 4, said the Riverine force is a
multi-mission asset. When the Sailors are put into a position similar to the one
in which Crossett found himself, they are prepared to take on the task.
"This Bronze Star with Valor is very significant because it is the first one
awarded to a Riverine Sailor since Vietnam," said Riverine Group 1 Command
Master Chief Jeffrey Covington. "Chief Crossett performed above and beyond,
under direct fire and combat, saving the lives of his brothers in combat. He's a
warrior and he's a hero."
Assigned to Riverine Group 1, under the command of Navy Expeditionary Combat
Command, Riverine Squadrons serve as a direct action unit, designated to serve
as a maneuver element to conduct combat operations and augment land forces. | |
Article and photo by Navy MCS 2nd Class Michael R. Hinchcliffe
Camp LeJeune Base Public Affairs
Copyright 2010
Reprinted from
Navy News Service
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