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 Karen Martinez, a native of Houston, 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.
Martinez graduated from North Shore Senior High School in 2014.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Houston.
“I was always taught to be a hard worker,” said Martinez. “I know that has been a major factor in my success in the Navy.”
Martinez joined the Navy seven years ago. Today, Martinez serves as an operations specialist.
“I joined the Navy to get out of my hometown,” said Martinez. “I knew the benefits of the Navy were good and I wanted to see what else the world had to offer me.”
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.
Martinez 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."
Martinez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is deploying and seeing other parts of the world,” said Martinez. “That is something I never would have had the opportunity to do had I not been in the Navy.”
Martinez can take pride in serving America through military service.
“To me serving in the Navy means a sense of stability,” said Martinez. “There is also a great deal of pride that goes along with serving because not everyone can do this job.”
Martinez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“My mom, Laura, and my sister, Eva, have been my backbone through everything before and during the Navy,” added Martinez. "Of course, I have to thank my husband, Jadon, he must be a single dad when I deploy and he does it so well. I could never thank him enough."
“I will be starting college this summer at Sam Houston State University to complete a degree in criminal justice,” added Martinez. “I hope to end up working for a federal agency as a forensic psychologist.”