Navy Chaplain shocked to discover he won award he nominated someone else for

Navy chaplain receives Craven Award: His service to country recognized

350th Public Affairs Detachment
Story by Spc. Chelsea Russell

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan - U.S. Navy Capt. Steve Brown, the Regional Command Southwest, II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) force chaplain, based out of Camp Lejeune, N.C., has been in the military for 32 years. His dedication to country and God helped him realize the perfect way for him to serve both: as a chaplain in the military.

Navy chaplains are unique because they serve with the Navy, the Marine Corps or the Coast Guard. During the course of his military career, Brown has served with all three. But even though he is in the Navy, his heart remains with the Marine Corps.

“I was an enlisted Marine for five and one-half years when I felt the Lord’s calling into full-time ministry, and then later to be a chaplain. I wanted to be a chaplain that would serve with Marines,” Brown said. “But Marine chaplains are Navy chaplains. So, I joined the Navy and I’m actually in the Navy, but then I get tours periodically to serve with the Marines. And it just so happens I’ve spent a good number of my years with Marines.”

The John H. Craven Servant Leadership Award is a peer-nominated award that acknowledges the significant service of a Navy chaplain who has earned the rank of Captain or Captain-select. Since the award process allows any Navy chaplain to nominate a peer for consideration, Brown actually recommended a fellow chaplain for the award and expected him to win. When Brown found out he had won the Craven Award instead, he was shocked.
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