About the Instructors

Senior Naval Science Instructor

Master Guns

Master Gunnery Sergeant Frederick L. Gaston enlisted in the Marine Corps on June 19, 1989. Served 26 years of honorable service. Upon completion of the School of Infantry, he was assigned to Security Force Company, in the Republic of the Philippines where he served in Jungle platoon and Alpha Company barracks duty. In 1991, he was assigned to 1st Bn 6th Marines where he served as squad leader deployed in support of Operation Promote Democracy in 1993, and Operation Restore Hope in 1993. He won the 2nd Marine Division rifle squad competition resulting as the number one squad leader in the 2nd Marine Division.

In 1993, he successfully completed Marine Security Guard School and was assigned to Detachment Kampala Uganda, Central Africa serving as a watchstander. In 1995, he completed his second post in Karachi, Pakistan. As a watchstander, he successfully safeguarded American people, classified materials and property.

Upon successful completion of Marine Security Duty, he was assigned to 3rd Bn 8th Marines serving as an infantry squad leader and platoon leader. In 1996, he won his second super squad competition in the 2nd Marine Division. In 1998 as a platoon leader he successfully led a platoon of Marines in combat in Kosovo and Afghanistan.

In 1999, after completing the Basic Recruiters Course, Master Gunnery Sergeant Gaston was assigned to the 6th Marine Corps District, RS Montgomery, Alabama, RSS Fort Walton Beach, Florida. He immediately initiated a course of action to become a Career Recruiter and subsequently earned the military occupational specialty of 8412. As the SNCOIC of RSS Fort Walton Beach, he received station of the year honors and was meritoriously promoted to Gunnery Sergeant. He was then transferred to RSS Montgomery, Alabama, August 2002 for duty as the SNCOIC where his station successfully made contracting and shipping requirements.

In May 2004, he transferred to RS Columbia for duty as the Operations Chief. In June 2005, he was selected to Recruiter Instructor and in 2006 was selected as the District Recruiter Instructor of the Year. In June 2008, he was selected as a member of the 6th Marine Corps District Training Team. On January 15, 2010, he was reassigned to RS Columbia for duty as the Recruiter Instructor. In 2012, Recruiting Station Columbia was honored as the Recruiting Station of the year under MGySgt. Gaston’s leadership. On December 15, 2012, he was selected to be the 6MCD Training Team Chief, where he created the 6 MCD's first Hall of Fame Wall. In 2013, he was selected to the 6MCD District Career Recruiter Hall of Fame. MGySgt Gaston received his Bachelors of Business Management and Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Columbia Southern University.

Master Gunnery Sergeant Gaston has two daughters, Leandra (32) and Diamond (25)

Naval Science Instructor

Chief Jernelle Smith

Our Naval Science Instructor brings exceptional experience, leadership, and real-world expertise to the NJROTC program. With 21 years of honorable service in the United States Navy, she represents the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, and commitment.

During her naval career, she served aboard five ships, including assignments where she launched jets from aircraft carriers, supporting naval aviation operations in high-tempo, mission-critical environments. She also served as a Navy Recruiter, mentoring and guiding future Sailors while representing the Navy with integrity and excellence.

In addition to her military service, she is a mother of three, a strong advocate for education, and a lifelong learner. She is well educated and a business owner, bringing valuable insight into leadership, accountability, and entrepreneurship.

Her diverse background allows her to mentor cadets both academically and professionally, preparing them for military service, higher education, and leadership roles in any career path they choose.

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