VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Lt. Cmdr. Julian Moten, a native of Charlotte, North Carolina, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC), part of the Navy’s expeditionary combat force.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Marieliza Rosales Navy Public Affairs Support Element East |
Moten graduated from South Mecklenburg High School in 2010. Additionally, Moten earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2014.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Charlotte.
“Growing up in Charlotte, I had numerous career-driven and value-driven people who influenced me to take on challenges and seek constant improvements in myself and my peers,” Moten said. “Growing up with people like that made me interested in seeking out challenges.”
Moten joined the Navy 12 years ago. Today, Moten serves as an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) officer.
“My grandfather was in the Navy and spoke of all the travel, leadership, and camaraderie he remembered from his service,” Moten said. “I also had a teacher in high school, Capt. Michael Shewchuk, who served. I looked at all the branches, but the Navy stood out because I’ve always liked the water, the Navy’s mission set, and the opportunity to travel.”
Headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia, NECC provides oversight, training and support for the Navy’s expeditionary forces worldwide. From EOD technicians and Seabees to maritime security and logistics sailors, NECC integrates these specialized communities into a ready force capable of deploying quickly and operating wherever they’re needed. A dedicated civilian workforce stands alongside uniformed personnel, ensuring the command has the depth and expertise to keep pace with evolving missions.
NECC’s focus is clear: Arrive on Station, Stay on Station, and Sustain the Fight. By building readiness at home and enabling operations abroad, NECC ensures that expeditionary sailors are equipped, trained, and prepared to deliver when the Navy and the nation call.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
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.
Moten has had many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of leading small teams of experts on four continents in high-risk/high-paced environments without any serious injuries or mishaps on our team,” Moten said.
Moten serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means the constant opportunity to better myself and my environment for my family, friends and community,” Moten said.
Moten is also grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents, my grandparents, my wife, and the mentors I had back home and while serving overseas for their support and patience,” Moten said. “People like my family, Mr. and Mrs. Lolo, Ryan, Dustin, retired Capt. Shewchuk, retired 1st Sgt. Bryant, Mr. Kelly, Mr. Bacon, Mr. Tucker and Mr. Bradley all really made a difference in my life.”
Moten said serving in the special operations community has had a lasting impact on his life.
“Serving as a U.S. Navy EOD technician has been the most transformative experience of my life, period,” Moten said. “It’s not just the missions or the world-class training that have shaped me — it’s the extraordinary people in this community I’ve had the honor to serve with. I owe it all to them. To the techs I’ve served beside and been mentored by: ‘You’re some of the finest people I’ve ever met. Thank you.’’’
“While deployed in austere environments, collaborating with foreign military partners around the world and working in the 30-plus countries the Navy has sent me to, I’ve gained a deep appreciation for building meaningful relationships, broadening one’s perspective, and the strength found through shared adversity. I owe it all to the community. HOOYAH EOD!”