THE TENSION: Combat Cameraman Awarded Bronze Star

In this 2004 file photo, U.S. Navy Photographer's Mate then 2nd Class John Parker documents a Refuel At Sea (RAS) operation conducted by the Dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47), left, Australian replenishment vessel HMAS Success (AOR 304), center, and the amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1), right. (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Bradley J. Sapp.)

Face of Defense:

NORTH ISLAND, Calif., Aug. 7, 2008 -- Fleet Combat Camera Group Pacific (FLTCOMBATCAMGRUPAC) presented a combat cameraman with the Bronze Star Medal during a brief ceremony at Naval Air Station North Island, Calif., Aug. 6.

Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class John T. Parker received the award for meritorious service during a deployment to Baghdad, Iraq, working with the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force – Arabian Peninsula from Oct. 1, 2007 to March 15, 2008, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The Kansas City, Mo., native was specifically cited for his actions while documenting operations with a U.S. Army Special Forces unit that was hit by an improvised explosive device. Following the initial explosion, Parker immediately played a crucial role in securing the immediate area and assisting with medical aid.

Parker credited his training and past-deployment experience for his quick response and alertness.

"I reacted just as I had been trained, said Parker. "We're constantly preparing for these situations and when it came down to it, my muscle memory kicked in."

The official citation also recognized his bravery for "performing his duties under fire without regard to his personal safety."

While not deployed, FLTCOMBATCAMGRUPAC personnel spend numerous hours honing their professional and tactical skills in preparation for the arduous deployment schedule.

"Petty Officer Parker is an example of why we train our Navy combat cameramen who serve in hostile environments throughout the world," said Lt. Cmdr. Thomas Cotton, FLTCOMBATCAMGRUPAC officer in charge. "We do this so that we're able to perform our job on any platform – at sea, in the desert, in the snow, on rocky terrains, even in the air."

Parker has now completed three deployments to Iraq as well as deployments to Bahrain, Australia, the Philippines, and the Republic of Korea since arriving at FLTCOMBATCAMGRUPAC, May 7, 2004. However, this latest deployment stands out as the culmination of his entire Navy experience.

"Not since the Vietnam era have combat cameramen been able to deploy with Special Forces units in combat situations," said Parker. "I feel my entire career has been spent preparing for this one deployment and I'm proud to have been able to document the actions of these elite units and assist them wherever I could."

The combat camera mission is to be able to deploy anywhere in the world at any time. They provide video and still documentation of combat operations, contingencies, exercises and events of historical significance.

The Bronze Star for meritorious service is the ninth highest U.S. Armed Service award.

(Story by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mark A. Rankin, Fleet Combat Camera Group Pacific Public Affairs.)