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 Alejandro Lopezcaveda, a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is one of these sailors serving at Maritime Security Squadron 2 which is responsible for protecting the Navy’s maritime platforms and port infrastructure.
Lopezcaveda graduated from Philadelphia Academy Charter High School in 2010.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Philadelphia.
“I developed a good work ethic that translated well into the Navy,” said Lopezcaveda. “I had a good attitude that has helped me be successful on the ships, especially when the times got tough.”
Lopezcaveda joined the Navy 12 years ago. Today, Lopezcaveda serves as a boatswain's mate.
“My father was in the Spanish navy and I remember his stories,” said Lopezcaveda. ”I found them fascinating. My family were immigrants to this country and I wanted to give back and serve this country.”
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.
Lopezcaveda 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."
Lopezcaveda has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest moment is qualifying as a flight deck officer during my eight-month deployment on board USS Stockdale in 2015,” said Lopezcaveda. “I felt like I was running the show and we were able to catch some things with the helos that could have been issues.”
Lopezcaveda can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Being a part of the organization that keeps freedom in this country is important,” said Lopezcaveda. “I originally wanted to join the Marine Corps, but my adoptive mother pushed me toward the Navy and I have no regrets.”
Lopezcaveda is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my mom, Sue, and my dad, Rob, for always supporting me,” added Lopezcaveda. “After my parents died, they took me in and put me to work on the farm and gave me a good bedrock for joining the Navy.”
“I want to raise my six-year-old daughter and five-year-old son in the same way my adoptive parents raised me,” added Lopezcaveda. “I want to instill those same morals and values in them.”