ST. GEORGE — Jeff Applegate and Red Mesa Science and Refining recently were rewarded for a unique brand of support of the nation’s Navy Reserves.
Applegate, who serves as president of the St. George-based company, and Jarrett Brown, director of operations, represented Red Mesa at the Navy Employer Recognition Event in Coronado, California, on June 11.
Known as NERE, this tradition brought to light some 47 American businesses that “provide their reserve sailors with superior support, giving them an opportunity to see first-hand what they do every day,” according to a news release.
“It was a surprise, for sure,” Applegate told St. George News. “But I see it as a real honor to be included in the selection this year and to build an understanding of what reservists’ lives are like.”
Brianna Jenkins, who serves as the director of Chemistry and Quality Assurance at Red Mesa, nominated the company for the award. She’s also a first class petty officer in the Navy Reserves.
Applegate said Jenkins’ contributions in her senior leadership position shine through in her “dependability, durability and her ability to multi-task.”
“She works for our company in the nucleus of responsibility,” Applegate said. “And her service and training are a big part of who she is.”
The company website describes Jenkins as an accomplished and skilled chemist in the hemp and cannabis industry, possessing over eight years of benchwork and leadership experience. She specializes in method development and analytical testing.
“In her prior roles, Brianna supervised and performed technical and administrative functions for the medical, nutraceutical and research industries to include method development, quality control and process improvement,” the website states. “She is performance-driven and focused on results. Brianna earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Chemistry at the University of Utah and currently serves as a Master-at-Arms for the U.S. Navy Reserve.”
People such as Jenkins, Applegate said, comprise a formidable percentage of the American military force and not only have made the commitment to serve their country but also demonstrate a work ethic private industry leaders seek. Additionally, he urged other business owners to consider adding reservists to their workforce.
And, the leadership these sailors demonstrate in the workplace and at sea overlap for the benefit of many.
“Being a ready force that can be deployed is a huge commitment,” he added.
Vice Adm. John B. Mustin, commander of the Navy Reserve Force, kicked off the June 11 event on board the America-class amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) with welcome remarks and with certificates of appreciation to the attendees.
“We honor and recognize the many employers who support our citizen sailors, who are often called upon to leave their families and civilian jobs on short notice,” said Mustin in a news release. “Your support is critical to our bi-coastal nation’s ability to maintain maritime dominance – and to protect our economic vibrancy, our security, and our prosperity, which depend upon the seas.
“For this reason, the value and importance of our Navy’s operations to security and stability … here at home, and around the globe … has never been greater. And Navy Reserve Sailors – your employees – are front and center … and central … to protecting against these challenges to international norms and defending our American ideals and way of life.”
Throughout the event, Applegate and the other employees had the opportunity to experience an up-close look at some of the equipment and capabilities that exist in the Navy Reserve, including a tour of USS Tripoli and a static display of Naval Air Force Reserve’s Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VR) 57.
The team from Southern Utah witnessed demonstrations by the Navy Marine Mammal Program and Undersea Rescue Command. They saw displays by SEAL Team 17, Maritime Expeditionary Security Group 1, Naval Base San Diego Military Working Dog Division and NR Naval Information Warfare Systems Command at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, Turner Field.
Applegate said “Dawn to Dusk” — the full day of tours and demonstrations — culminated with a reception on board the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum. Officers donned their service dress whites for the event, giving Applegate time to pause and consider the gravity of the moment.
“There were so many interesting and intelligent people,” Applegate said. “We were basically talking with their elite.”
Mustin reminded honorees that while he and his shipmates may don the uniform, business owners who are willing to work with reservists to ensure they can reach their personal and professional goals play a pivotal role in the success of the American military.
“Employers like you, who support their reserve and guard members, are an important part of our national defense structure,” Mustin said. “The time and flexibility you provide for our sailors to train during long drill weekends and their two-weeks of annual training … and often again during mobilizations that can last anywhere from a few months to several years … is invaluable to our reserve force, our joint force, and our nation. I can assure you, the phenomenal support you provide is consequential and appreciated.”
Added Applegate: “I didn’t serve, myself, but I respect those who have dedicated themselves to the military.”
Video from Red Mesa LinkedIn page shows the Navy Employer Recognition Event.
Photo Gallery
Brianna Jenkins, right, is Red Mesa Science and Refining's director of chemistry and also is a first class petty officer in the Navy Reserves, location and date not specified | Photo courtesy of Jeff Applegate, St. George News
L-R: Red Mesa Director of Operations Jarrett Brown and President Jeff Applegate smile for a selfie while on the bridge of the USS Tripoli in Coronado, California, June 11, 2024 | Photo courtesy of Jeff Applegate, St. George News
L-R: Jarrett Brown, Battle Cats helicopter pilot Gage Nawrocki and Jeff Applegate pose for a photo the flight deck of the USS Tripoli, Coronado, California, June 11, 2024 | Photo courtesy of Jeff Applegate, St. George News
Jeff Applegate smiles while touring the flight deck of the USS Tripoli, Coronado, California, June 11, 2024 | Photo courtesy of Jeff Applegate, St. George News
Vice Adm. John Mustin presents Red Mesa President Jeff Applegate with a certificate of recognition as Jarrett Brown, second from left, looks on, onboard the USS Tripoli in Coronado, California, June 11, 2024 | Photo courtesy of Jeff Applegate, St. George News
Navy personnel conduct a Sea Lion Equipment Retrieval Demonstration, Coronado, California, June 11, 2024 | Photo courtesy of Jeff Applegate, St. George News
Navy personnel conduct a Sea Lion Equipment Retrieval Demonstration, Coronado, California, June 11, 2024 | Photo courtesy of Jeff Applegate, St. George News
Photo shows command center for the P-8, the P-the U.S. Navy's primary maritime patrol aircraft, Coronado, California, June 11, 2024 | Photo courtesy of Jeff Applegate, St. George News
Vice Adm. John Mustin conducts a ceremony onboard the USS Tripoli in Coronado, California, June 11, 2024 | Photo courtesy of Jeff Applegate, St. George News
Vice Adm. John Mustin salutes sailors onboard the USS Tripoli in Coronado, California, June 11, 2024 | Photo courtesy of Jeff Applegate, St. George News
A Zumwalt class stealth destroyer is moored in the port at naval base in Coronado, California, June 11, 2024 | Photo courtesy of Jeff Applegate, St. George News
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