USMC GySgt. Robert Navarro Receives Hathcock II Award
by U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Siwan Lewis
November 6, 2025

In a field where excellence is expected and few stand out, one Marine exceeded those standards and earned the prestigious Gunnery Sergeant Carlos N. Hathcock II Award for 2025.

The Gunnery Sergeant Carlos N. Hathcock II Award recognizes enlisted Marines or units who have shown extraordinary contribution to the improvement of small arms weapons systems as well as exceptional training.

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Robert Navarro, a native of Oceanside, California, who is the officer in charge of the indoor small arms range with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, MCAS Iwakuni, Japan ... was recognized for his outstanding leadership and his performance while in this position as an 0369 Infantry Unit Leader. MCAS Iwakuni nominated Navarro for the award, and out of many other potential selects, the Marine Corps selected him for the Carlos Hathcock Award.

“For his exceptional leadership, technical mastery, and enduring contribution to Marine Corps Marksmanship,” said Rob Brooks, national director of events for the Marine Corps League, “Gunnery Sergeant Navarro truly embodies the spirit of Gunnery Sergeant Carlos N. Hathcock II ... the embodiment of discipline, precision, and professionalism.”

The ISAR plays a vital role not only for the station but other U.S. military bases in the Indo-Pacific. As the OIC, Navarro is responsible for keeping the range in top condition, ensuring U.S. forces can maintain and qualify with rifle and pistol.

“Sasebo Naval Support Station, those sailors, come here to shoot because they don’t run a range right now,” said Navarro. “Kure and Camp Zama ... big logistics bases ... they don’t have rifle ranges. They travel all the way out here to use this range to keep their quals up.”

In 2022, Navarro arrived at MCAS Iwakuni and was assigned as the OIC of the ISAR to lead its improvement while the U.S. Marine Corps Training and Education Command assisted with funding for its development.

Navarro not only oversaw and assisted with the renovation and modernization of the range’s facilities, but he also demonstrated exemplary hands-on leadership in conducting rifle and pistol training. Through these efforts, he provided his guidance and expertise to U.S. military members by helping them successfully complete their weapons qualifications and enhance their overall marksmanship skills.

His ability to lead and manage ranges wasn’t learned overnight ... it was shaped through years of practical, hands-on experience.

Most of what he learned was during his three years as a combat instructor at the School of Infantry West, Infantry Training Battalion, where he trained Marines to be infantry.

“Seeing the behind the scenes of what it takes to schedule a range and build a range ... there’s so much more to it,” said Navarro. “There’s so much coordination and logistics that goes into making training happen.”

With the help of his Marines, Navarro earned the Carlos Hathcock Award. He credits this accomplishment to the collective effort and commitment of his unit at the air station.

“Even more so, I appreciate everything the Marines that worked here did to get us where we are,” said Navarro. “To execute and operate the way we do and as efficiently as we do.”

Navarro’s leadership embodies what the Carlos Hathcock Award represents. His efforts not only improved the range by implementing new technology and improving standard operating procedures, but also built a team devoted to mission success. His impact left a mark that goes beyond just his name on a plaque.

“His accomplishments have left a lasting impact on Marine Corps readiness across the Pacific and stand as a powerful example of what it means to lead from the front,” said Brooks.

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