VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Sean O'Donnell, a native of Peabody, Massachusetts, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Marine Expeditionary Security Group 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 |
O'Donnell graduated from Malden Catholic High School in 2016.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Peabody.
“My parents are the two hardest working people I know, and they led by example, and I admired that and knew I wanted to be the same way,” O'Donnell said. "They put my sister and me through private school, and they always wanted to give us the best and pushed us to work hard. That work ethic is invaluable in the military. Everything else will fall into place as long as you keep working and do your best every day."
O'Donnell joined the Navy five years ago. Today, O'Donnell serves as a boatswain's mate.
“I joined the Navy to give back and be part of something bigger than myself,” O'Donnell said. "My great-grandfather was in the Navy, and that pushed me in the right direction. I've always loved the idea of military service."
Maritime Expeditionary Security Group (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.
O'Donnell has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is making E-5,” O'Donnell said. "I didn't think I did that well on the test, so that was a pleasant surprise. The thing I’m most proud of is teaching people and watching them take off in the expeditionary community."
O'Donnell 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 is continuing the tradition of public service that my father and mother did, working for the fire department as a mechanic and a police officer,” O'Donnell said.
O'Donnell is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents, Tom and Nancy, for helping me become the man I am today and always being there to support me,” O'Donnell said. "I want to also thank my sister, Jaclyn, for always being there for me. I especially want to thank my wife, Solana, for being so understanding of what this job demands of me. She makes our house a home, and I couldn’t imagine my life without her."
“I don't know if I will make the Navy my career, but it's been good to me so far, and I will always give my best as long as I'm here,” O'Donnell said.