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.
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.
Seaman Hector Torres, a native of Jersey City, New Jersey, is one of these sailors serving at Maritime Security Squadron 2 which is responsible for protecting the Navy’s maritime platforms and port infrastructure.
Torres graduated from Twentynine Palms High School in 2021.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Jersey City.
“In my hometown, I learned how to work in a team,” said Torres. “Growing up, I used to play a lot of recreational sports, and that showed me that to be successful you have to work as a team.”
Torres joined the Navy two years ago. Today, Torres serves as an information systems technician.
“I joined the Navy to support myself and my family,” said Torres. “Additionally, I believed that the Navy was the best option for me considering the benefits.”
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.
Torres 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."
Torres has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is the volunteering opportunities that I have done,” said Torres. “Recently, I volunteered at an airshow here in Oceana. It was surprising to see how many people showed up. Seeing that all the people there were interested in the Navy was amazing. It made me proud to be a sailor.”
Torres can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy gives me a chance to be a better version of myself,” said Torres. “Since joining, I see so much improvement in myself personally. I have not always been the most helpful or outgoing person but being in the Navy has changed my perspective on a lot of things. I have become more social and outgoing, and I have learned to value the small things in life.”
Torres is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents, they were really supportive in my decision to join the Navy,” said Torres. “I would also like to thank my fellow sailors who have helped motivate me towards my goals.”
“The Navy has given me plenty of opportunities to achieve my goals," added Torres. "I love being in the Navy."