Former Pierce Countian and Bristol native, Master Chief Petty Officer Kavis Omarsharé Baker Sr. celebrated his retirement from the United States Navy September 30, 2025.
Many family, friends and well wishers gathered to celebrate Baker’s service to his country, including his mother Patricia Campbell of Bristol, his daughter Tatianna Baker of Jacksonville and his son Airman First Class Kavis “KJ” Omarsharé Baker Jr.
A 2004 graduate of Pierce County High School, Baker joined the Navy later that same year. His years of service were on a variety of vessels and took him to many different ports around the world, including Gabon, Angola, Brazil, Spain, Bahrain, Kuwait, Pakistan and elsewhere. Off the coast of Pakistan he helped with the seizure of 4,200 pounds of hashish from a fishing vessel as part of a Visit, Board, Search and Seizure team. Aboard the USS Vella Gulf, a guided missile cruiser, Baker took part in operations against Somali pirates.
Baker has received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal as well as other personal, unit and service awards.
Also in attendance at the celebration of Baker’s career were his brother William Kelsey Baker of Odum, his sister Zashila Nails of Baxley, and four aunts, Elder Jackie B. Welch and Lasonya Mitchell, both of Alma, Paula Lacount of Orlando and Hattie Edwards of Jackson, FL. There were also his cousins Kaleisha Cooper and Whitney Lee of North Carolina, Baker Sr.’s special friend Micesha McKoy, also from North Carolina, and Baker Jr.’s special friend Airman First Class Hayleigh Buckner, stationed alongside KJ in Valdosta.
Those gathered all expressed in their own ways the sentiment contained in the Chief Petty Officer Retirement Creed, wishing Baker Sr. “fair winds and following seas.”
Master Chief Petty Officer Kavis Omarsharé Baker Sr. has finally retired after 21 years of service with the United States Navy.
