Command Master Chief Sharon FortsonCommand Master Chief Sharon “Shay” Fortson never felt more frightened than when the United States fired on Iraq, launching the 1989-90 Gulf War. Patrolling near the combat zone, she wore a gas mask and chemical protective gear for hours – even in the shower. “I handled that moment the same as I do now – by praying,” says Fortson, 46. “And I have learned over the years to face such challenges head on. Deal with it and move forward.”
Next week, Fortson, a former Chattanooga High School salutatorian, will enjoy a much more peaceful patrol of our shore at this month’s Riverbend Festival. She will be among the scores of sailors billeting here for Navy Week, including Regional Command Master Chief Nancy Patterson Hollingsworth, a 1984 Red Bank High School graduate.
A traveling boatload of a promotion, Navy Week tethers itself to civic events and festivals in about 20 American cities a year: Leap Frogs (U.S. Navy special operations forces) parachute into performances, divers swim with the sharks at the Tennessee Aquarium, a flotilla of admirals hobnob with the Rotary, Lions and mayors.
Fortson serves aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102).Fortson and Hollingsworth will also team up to visit girls in the innercity Girls Inc. program, compete in a 4,000-child YMCA Fitness Challenge and race in the Blue Cross Riverbend Run & Walk. “We have an exciting week planned for Chattanooga,” says Lt. Cmdr. Sarah Blansett, Chattanooga’s Navy Week Officer in Charge.
River Journey
Like other high school girls, Fortson and Hollingsworth chased boys, ate funnel cakes and giggled with friends at Riverbend. “I have many great memories of watching my mom and step-dad in the raft race,” says the 44-year-old Hollingsworth.