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.
 |
| 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 3rd Class Christian Sanchez, a native of Imperial Beach, California, is one of these sailors serving at Maritime Security Squadron 2 which is responsible for protecting the Navy’s maritime platforms and port infrastructure.
Sanchez graduated from Bayfront Charter High School in 2021.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Imperial Beach.
“My father was very hardworking as a mechanic,” said Sanchez. "He always instilled in me that I needed to give my all in whatever job I was doing."
Sanchez joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Sanchez serves as an engineman.
“I grew up by San Diego's naval base and I saw the helicopters constantly flying,” said Sanchez. “I joined the Navy because I thought that was something I could be a part of. I also wanted to go to different countries and see something else other than home. I'm looking forward to my first overseas port."
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.
Sanchez 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."
Sanchez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I am proud of taking a course at the Cummins Diesel Mechanic School last August,” said Sanchez. "I learned about engines, how to build them and how to take them apart. Earning that qualification made me feel like I was really learning something about my Navy job."
Sanchez can take pride in serving America through military service.
“I believe I'm part of a bigger force that is here to protect our nation and the nations of the world who can't protect themselves,” said Sanchez. "I think it is important to help people who cannot help themselves.”
Sanchez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my sister, Alexa, because she is the reason I joined the Navy,” added Sanchez. "My mom was against it, but she fought for me."