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 2nd Class Rodrigo Ibarra, a native of Carrizo Springs, Texas, is one of these sailors serving at Maritime Security Squadron 2 which is responsible for protecting the Navy’s maritime platforms and port infrastructure.
Ibarra graduated from Carrizo Springs High School in 2011.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Carrizo Springs.
“My hometown instilled a sense of Southern hospitality in me,” said Ibarra. “Carrizo Springs is a small community where everybody knows each other. Everyone is very respectful and kind to one another and that mentality is contagious.”
Ibarra joined the Navy six years ago. Today, Ibarra serves as a master-at-arms.
“I joined the navy to get more life experiences,” said Ibarra. “I wanted to travel the world for a living.”
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.
Ibarra 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."
Ibarra has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy was receiving my first Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal,” said Ibarra. “I earned it for excelling at weapons, ammo and vehicle assurance in Oceana. I am very proud to have received the honor.”
Ibarra can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means being a part of something bigger than myself,” said Ibarra. “I am also breaking new ground for my family. I am the first person in my family to graduate from high school, the first to graduate from college, and the first to serve in the Navy.”
Ibarra is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mom for setting a strong foundation for me,” added Ibarra.