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.
