VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – The U.S. Navy owns many large submarines, ships and aircraft carriers that need to be protected when operating at sea and close to the shore. A special group of sailors is charged with protecting these Navy investments.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Klineizquierdo |
The Maritime Expeditionary Security Force (MESF) operates ashore, at sea and in the waters of harbors, rivers, bays and across the littorals. The primary focus of MESF is to conduct maritime security operations. They do this by providing port and harbor security as well as security for high-value units, like aircraft carriers and submarines, on coastal waterways and ashore.
Petty Officer 1st Class Christopher Noel, a native of Annapolis, Maryland, is one of these sailors serving at Maritime Security Squadron 2 which is responsible for protecting the Navy’s maritime platforms and port infrastructure.
Noel graduated from Annapolis High School in 2006.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Annapolis.
“I lived in 12 different places growing up so I learned how to be flexible and adaptable,” said Noel. “Being a part of a military family, I had to learn to adapt to new surroundings in order to be successful.”
Noel joined the Navy 17 years ago. Today, Noel serves as a gunner's mate.
“I joined the Navy because it is something I have always wanted to do,” said Noel. “My father and grandfather were both in the service, so it is somewhat of a family tradition to join the military.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Noel serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
"We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day," said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. "Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs."
Noel has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is my time as an instructor at the Naval Academy,” said Noel. “I was an instructor for the Naval Academy’s Long-Distance Precision Marksmanship Team. We won the East Coast All-Navy Shooting Championship.”
Noel can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means everything to me,” said Noel. “I am fulfilling my childhood dreams with service.”
Noel is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank a second class petty officer who took me under his wing at Amphibious Construction Battalion (ACB) 1 in 2007,” added Noel. “I would also like to thank retired officer William Karditzas for being a source of inspiration in my life.”