<b>Recruit Training Regiment&nbsp;</b><b>gets new commander</b>

[caption id="attachment_32832" align="aligncenter" width="320"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/barnett.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-32832"><img class="size-full wp-image-32832" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/barnett.jpg" alt="Col. John Barnett " width="320" height="400"></a> Col. John Barnett[/caption]

Col. John Barnett took command on July 6 of the Recruit Training Regiment on Parris Island.

Barnett comes to the depot from the 2d Marine Division where he served as the division chief of staff.

After graduating in 1992 from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Barnett was commissioned in the Marine Corps and trained as a surface-to-air weapons officer. He later laterally moved into the intelligence occupational field and was deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan.&nbsp;

In 2010, he assumed command of 3rd Recruit Training Battalion at Parris Island, where he served for over two years.

<b>Beaufort wounded warrior&nbsp;</b><b>competes in DOD games</b>

[caption id="attachment_32833" align="aligncenter" width="214"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/esget.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-32833"><img class="size-full wp-image-32833" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/esget.jpg" alt="Kristen Esget" width="214" height="320"></a> Kristen Esget[/caption]

U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Kristen Esget, a Beaufort native, joined more than 250 seriously wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans at the Department of Defense Warrior Games held from June 30–July 8 in Chicago.&nbsp;

Esget competed against athletes from the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force and Special Operations Command.&nbsp;

During the nine days, she competed in shooting, swimming and track and field.

"Our Navy athletes who are participating in this year's Department of Defense Warrior Games are an inspiration for us all," said Vice Admiral Mary Jackson, commander, Navy Installations Command. "Their involvement in the games brings home the importance of the Navy's adaptive sports program, which has a significant impact on a wounded warrior's recovery efforts. I'm looking forward to supporting Team Navy in Chicago this summer."&nbsp;

“I want to encourage fellow wounded warriors that just because something is wrong with you does not mean you have to stop doing what you love,” said Esget.&nbsp;

<b>Beaufort native serves </b><b>aboard Navy warship&nbsp;</b>

[caption id="attachment_32834" align="aligncenter" width="320"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/greene.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-32834"><img class="size-full wp-image-32834" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/greene.jpg" alt="Erica Greene" width="320" height="229"></a> Erica Greene[/caption]

Petty Officer 2nd Class Erica Greene, of Beaufort, is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS Michael Murphy.

Greene works as a gunner's mate aboard the guided missile destroyer operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

A Navy gunner's mate is responsible for assisting in training sailors with the weapons systems and guns aboard the ship.

“I like helping people out, no matter what it is,” said Greene. “I want to be able to make people better at whatever is they want to do.”

With the ability to conduct anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare, destroyers are capable of sustained maritime operations supporting forward naval presence, maritime security, sea control, deterrence of aggressive actions on U.S. partners around the globe, as well as humanitarian assistance. &nbsp;

Fast, maneuverable and technically advanced, destroyers provide credible combat power, at and from the sea.

“Service at sea onboard a Navy destroyer is an incredible experience,” said Robert A. Heely Jr., commanding officer of the USS Michael Murphy. “The extraordinary performance of Michael Murphy is made possible by the sailors that man her on a daily basis. Team Murphy is comprised of 350 talented sailors from across our country. They are all resilient and dedicated professionals, who strive each and every day to uphold the strong legacy of our namesake, Lt. Michael P. Murphy. I'm proud of their teamwork and commitment to the mission.”