MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii -- “If I was back at home, I never would have been able to gain the experiences that I have,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Anthony Knight, a Navy engineman assigned as outboard motor technician at Waterfront Operations, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay. “I had never even driven a boat before I had joined the Navy.”
For the Portsmouth, N.H. native, the military was something he always had in his mind to experience. The self-proclaimed “Air Force brat,” son of a 22-year Air Force veteran, said he knew that at some point he would join one of the services.
Since he was 12, Knight worked a variety of jobs to make money, but his main hobby was painting cars.
“I worked in an auto body shop and wish I could do that kind of stuff more here,” said the 25-year-old. “I basically just work on my own car now.”
After graduating from Portsmouth High School, Knight decided to work and go to college. In 2002 he enlisted in the Navy and chose Engineman as his career field.
“My dad was happy when I told him I was going to enlist,” said Knight. “I really didn’t have the money for college and wanted to get out of the state and see and experience new things. This was the opportunity for me to do that.”
After he completed basic training, Knight attended Engineman A School in Great Lakes, Ill., before reporting to MCB Hawaii. A duty station that, according to Knight, he was extremely lucky to have been assigned to for his first tour of duty, being that most Navy Enginemen are assigned to sea-duty billets aboard ships homeported on either the East or West coasts.
His primary duty at Waterfront Operations is to maintain and repair the small boats that are used to patrol the bay, focusing on security and environmental protection. Additionally, Knight is the hazardous materials assistant; a duty-section leader, responsible for the First Response Team — a team called upon in the event of an oil spill; conducts anti-terrorism force protection patrols around the perimeter of MCB Hawaii; supports tenants commands and deploying units; and provides assistance to the Coast Guard whenever there is a need for a search and rescue vehicle.
“I’m very proficient with both driving and fixing the different boats that we have here and whatever else that comes with this job,” said Knight. “It’s a great job, and the location where I do my job is really great, too. Can’t beat the view.”
On his off time, Knight attends college and enjoys playing golf. He also plays basketball on one of the base teams.
“I would like to participate in more sports, but it can be difficult due to the challenging hours at Waterfront Operations,” said Knight. “We stand 24-hour duty and 24-hour recall, for emergencies. Sometimes it makes scheduling personal events challenging.”
Knight said he doesn’t plan to bring his military career to a close at the end of his first enlistment. He said he is re-enlisting and moving to San Diego, where he will be transferring to Inshore Boat Unit 52.
“At times, I kind of wish that I went to a ship before reporting to shore duty, so I could gain the experience of ship life, and work in my rating.” said Knight. “But you learn how to adapt to various situations that arise day to day, and in so doing it helps to foster the relationships of the Sailors and Marines who are committed to the missions of the Navy and Marine Corps.”