VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Seaman Apprentice Luis Cruzado, a native of Lorain, Ohio, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Maritime Expeditionary Security Group Two (MESG-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 |
Cruzado graduated from Lorain High School in 2023.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Lorain.
“Growing up, respect was a big thing,” Cruzado said. “I carry with me lessons like, in order to get respect, you have to earn it; if someone does you wrong, don’t do them wrong; be righteous and be humble; and if someone sticks out their hand for help, reach back. Having that mindset has helped a lot because when something’s bothering me, I can talk to the person about it. I respect those above me and below me. I’m humble and honest about things with my peers and fellow junior sailors.”
Cruzado joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Cruzado serves as a gunner’s mate.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to challenge myself,” Cruzado said. “I was the first person in my family to go all the way through it. My best friend was in the Army and is now in the National Guard. I wanted more discipline for myself. I did it for my mom and sister to make them proud.
“I always wanted to travel the world and have a life of exploring, what better way than the Navy, where I can go around the world? I’ve met more people in the past 11 months than I have in my entire life.”
MESG-2, headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia, 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.
Cruzado has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of graduating from Gunner’s Mate ‘A’ School and making it through this whole pipeline,” Cruzado said. “If I hadn’t done that, I wouldn’t be here now. I’m proud of myself for making it this far, when others may have doubted me.”
Cruzado 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 bringing honor and courage back home,” Cruzado said. “It means knowing that I can keep my family and friends safe and knowing that I’m defending my country. I’m following my dreams. Nothing’s impossible if you put yourself into it.”
Cruzado is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom, Virginia, my sister, Alaiia, and my friends, Juan, who is in the National Guard, and Robert,” Cruzado said. “My mom pushed me through even when I felt like giving up. She told me to follow my dreams and that it was too late to quit. My sister is young, so seeing her look up to me means a lot. My friends, Juan and Robert, supported me and came to my boot camp graduation.”