Photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Gary Ward
NORFOLK, Va. – A 2012 Porterville High School graduate and Terra Bella, California, native is serving at Navy Expeditionary Combat Readiness Command in Norfolk, Virginia.
Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Edmond Torrejas is a yeoman responsible for performing administrative and clerical work for the command. He deals with visitors, coordinates worldwide travel, submits passport applications, and handles various forms of military correspondence. “I really like the small details of my job being it’s very meticulous,” Torrejas said. “I try to make sure everything I do is precise, so that nothing can be misconstrued or misread. I enjoy keeping a good military bearing and I believe professionalism begins with a yeoman.”
While most members of the U.S. Navy conduct deployments at sea as part of U.S. Navy warship crews, each year thousands of Sailors are called upon to conduct non-traditional deployments, often in austere locations outside the maritime environment, in support of military missions around the globe. The men and women of ECRC provide unparalleled support to these deploying Sailors by ensuring each Sailor has the training, equipment and family support needed to succeed during their 12-month deployment.
Torrejas credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned in Terra Bella.
“My family taught me the importance of setting goals, working hard, and taking nothing for granted,” Torrejas said. “These qualities help me in my Navy career to do my best every day.”
Torrejas has military ties with family members who have previously served and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
"I have many family members who served different branches in the military,” Torrejas said. “They all had an influence in my decision to join the Navy.”
Torrejas is most proud that he has stayed in the Navy this long.
“There was a lot of adversity leading up to the point of joining and I’m proud of the fact that I actually made it this far in the Navy,” Torrejas said.
“It’s an honor to lead a group of sailors so dedicated to supporting approximately 7,000 of their fellow shipmates who are called upon annually to serve their country in deployment locations that are unique for the Navy,” said Capt. Matthew Jackson, commanding officer of ECRC. “From the moment those sailors receive their deployment orders, until they return and are reunited with their families - Torrejas, and my entire team here at Expeditionary Combat Readiness Command, are committed to making sure each sailor has everything they need to be successful no matter the duties they’re asked to perform, or the overseas location at which they’re asked to serve.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Torrejas and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes, one that will provide a critical component of the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy means freedom to me and what this nation stands for,” Torrejas added. “I believe I’m actually carrying on a legacy of those who have gone before me. I'm willing to make small sacrifices in order to support others, so they can excel.”