Blount Island honors 26 civilians for nearly 600 years of combined service

Official Statements

• Blount Island Command, November 9: “JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — From a former commanding officer to a specialist who keeps Navy ship-to-shore equipment ready, 26 civilian employees received awards Nov. 6 at Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island in Jacksonville, Florida. The honorees, mostly veterans, had a combined 585 years of service.

  U.S. Marine Corps Col. David Merles, who commands the installation and Blount Island Command, applauded the recipients and thanked the service members and civilians gathered for the ceremony. The awards recognized service milestones from 10 to 35 years.

  Darryl Dean, a Navy positioning equipment specialist, was one of six employees who marked 30 years of service.

  Four employees reached 35 years. Matthew Crabill, a former Marine colonel, once commanded both organizations and now serves as their civilian deputy commanding officer. Navy positioning director William Fish, supply analyst Bernard Lyons and equipment specialist Darwin Thode II also reached the milestone.

  At Blount Island, veterans put their military experience to work as civilian employees and contractors. As service members rotate through the installation, those veterans and their colleagues help the command keep equipment ready for Marines to draw from ships and sites overseas.”