A native of Aurora, Co., Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class William H. Bennett IV enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve in Sept. 2021.
He attended basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Il., where he was meritoriously advanced to seaman apprentice.
Following basic training, Bennett reported to the Defense Information School (DINFOS) at Ft. Meade, Md., where he graduated the Basic Mass Communication Specialist Course.
In August 2022, Bennett was assigned to Navy Reserve Transportation Command Reserve Element (TCRE) at Scott Air Force Base, Il., serving in a joint duty environment providing media support for the U.S. Transportation Command Combatant Commander.
In October 2022, Bennett provided 29 days of annual training for Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain Public Affairs, where he provided photographic support for high profile visitors and various base events, supporting NSA Bahrain’s public affairs mission.
In April 2023, Bennett performed six-month active duty for training orders to support Commander, Navy Surface Force Atlantic. Serving as part of the RC2SEA program, he was assigned to the USS New York (LPD 21) as an independent duty MC. During his tenure, he managed New York social media channels and provided public affairs coverage during Fleet Week Port Everglades, UNITAS LXIV and Large-Scale Exercise 2023, while earning Messenger of the Watch and several other shipboard qualifications.
Bennett returned to TCRE in October and advanced to Petty Officer 3rd Class in November 2023.
In January 2024, Bennett returned to the DINFOS where he graduated the Intermediate Public Affairs Specialist Course.
Following his graduation, Bennett was hand selected to support the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Public Affairs office in the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.
Currently, Bennett supports the SECNAV PA office as the Production Manager. He was advanced to Petty Officer 2nd Class in November 2024 and was won SECNAV Junior Sailor of the Year for FY24 against Sailors from across the fleet.
Bennett is a graduate Metropolitan State University of Denver with a degree in Media Studies. He is currently a graduate student at West Virginia University pursuing an Integrated Marketing Communications master’s degree.
Bennett’s military decorations include (3) Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.
