VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Seaman Shelsea Nolasco, a native of Houston, Texas, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 2, part of the Navy’s expeditionary force.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Marieliza Rosales Navy Public Affairs Support Element East |
Nolasco graduated from Alief Taylor High School in 2024.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Houston.
“Some of the lessons I’ve carried with me are knowing when to be a leader and when to be a follower, and also to take accountability for the things I do,” Nolasco said. “It helps to know right from wrong. Knowing that helps me stay out of trouble.”
Nolasco joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Nolasco serves as a quartermaster.
“I joined to give myself a better life and to make my parents proud since I’m the first to join in my family,” Nolasco said. “I was in Navy Junior ROTC in high school, and my lieutenant inspired me to join.”
MSRON-2 falls under the command of Maritime Expeditionary Security Group (MESG) 2, headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia. MESG-2 delivers the Navy’s front line of defense in coastal waters and ports around the globe. Its sailors are trained to patrol harbors, escort high-value ships, and guard maritime chokepoints where danger is most likely to appear. Whether operating from fast patrol craft or shoreside security positions, they ensure freedom of movement for U.S. and allied forces in contested environments.
MESG-2’s mission is built on vigilance and quiet strength. Their presence may not always make headlines, but their work underpins the safety of every operation that begins or ends at sea. In the littorals — where a small gap in security can have outsized consequences — MESG-2 stands as a constant, capable force, committed to keeping the Navy’s lifelines secure.
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.
Nolasco has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of hitting my one-year mark in the Navy,” Nolasco said. “I’ve gotten this far and I haven’t wanted to quit. I still have it in me to keep going.”
Nolasco 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 knowing that I’m helping out,” Nolasco said. “By serving, I’m protecting my loved ones.”
Nolasco is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents and my older sister,” Nolasco said. “They’ve always shown me support. They take time out of their week to come to visit me, and I know I can rely on them. I know that when I’m feeling down, I can call them, and they’ll lift me back up.”