An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Task Force 51/5 Spotlight Staff Sgt. Shepard

7 Jan 2019 | SSgt. David L. Proffitt 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade

When Naval Amphibious Force, Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (TF 51/5) staff requires the use of non-tactical vehicles, need to check out weapons or have questions about the command’s mail delivery – they call Staff Sgt. Samantha Shepard, TF 51/5’s Headquarters Company gunnery sergeant.

“I am engaged with everything from providing annual training to TF 51/5 Marines and Sailors to preparing for exercises within the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility,” said Shepard.

 Shepard’s position serves as a vital link between Headquarters Company and the directorates within TF 51/5, to ensure the command’s facilities are maintained so that operations can continue to run smoothly.

“I interact with the whole command daily and make it a priority to get to know everyone and to spend a little time with each Marine and Sailor,” said Shepard.

 It’s this personal interaction, coupled with her skills as a former drill instructor that prepared her to lead multiple periods of instruction for TF 51/5 Sailors and Marines selected for key roles in ceremonial engagements such as U.S. Marine Corps Ball ceremonies.

“It shows good order and discipline in coming together as a unit and gives others the visualization of the command’s organization and structure when brought together as a team,” said Shepard. “Working as an integrated command and having the opportunity to work with so many different people is new to me and something I’ll remember for the rest of my career.”

Shepard says she remains focused on ensuring TF 51/5 readiness because she understands the responsibly TF 51/5 is entrusted with in the region – to rapidly aggregating crisis response capabilities and positioning Navy and Marine Corps forces throughout the CENTCOM area of responsibility to ensure command and control of forces at sea, from the sea and ashore.

“Every day there is a new challenge I am faced with,” said Shepard. “Having the ability to solve these challenges allows me to develop into a better staff non-commissioned officer.”

A native of Mexico, Missouri, Shepard served as a drill instructor at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Paris Island from 2009 to 2012 and as an instructor at Motor Vehicle Operator Course at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. She earned an Associate of Arts in General Studies from the American Public University System and is currently working toward a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership from the University of Charleston, which she plans to complete in 2019.

 For more information about TF 51/5 please contact TF 51/5 Public Affairs Officer, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Sandra Arnold at sandra.arnold@me.usmc.mil or Marine Corps Capt. Adam Miller at adam.miller2@me.usmc.mil.


More Media

5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade