Navy Officers, Chiefs Honor Patriot's Day With 11-Mile Run

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eva-Marie Ramsaran, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

CORONADO, Calif. (NNS) -- Junior officers, chief petty officers (CPOs) and CPO selects attached to the Maritime Expeditionary Security Force and Navy Information Operations Command participated in an 11-mile run honoring Patriot's Day, Sept. 11, at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, Calif.

For the fifth consecutive year, both commands paid homage to the lives that were lost nine years ago by running 11 miles.

"We challenge the chief selects to run 11 miles in commemoration of all those who have fallen during Sept. 11," said Maritime Expeditionary Security Group 1 Command Master Chief (SW/AW) Jacob E. Grgurich. "This is a great tribute to remember that tragic day when nearly 3,000 souls were lost."

This journey helps the newly selected chiefs instill in their minds that together they can accomplish anything and allows them to reflect on the sacrifices of others on 9/11.

"Sept. 11 is the most significant attack on the U.S. since Pearl Harbor," said Chief Electrician's Mate (Select) (EXW/SW) Joshua Jones, attached to Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 1. "It impacted everyone's lives, and it changed our posture in terms of defense."

According to Jones, people forget things like Patriot's Day, and that's when they start to get complacent.

"It's better to be reminded of those that made sacrifices and were lost, including firefighters, police officers and civilian personnel," said Jones.

Both commands' service members stayed committed to the run by motivating each other with cadences and running in formation.

"The pain we endured doesn't compare to what the lives that were taken went through on 9/11," said Jones.

"It was a great honor to participate in this run, and I encourage other people to come out and join us as the years go by," said Grgurich.

Nine junior officers, 57 chiefs and 19 chief selects completed the run together.