By Alvin Plexico, Navy Office of Community Outreach
MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Petty Officer 1st Class Luis Soltero, a native of El Monte, California, recently completed a tour of duty as the staff government logistics coordinator for Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG2).
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| Photo courtesy of U.S. Navy |
SNMG2 is a NATO task group that will conclude a one-year deployment under U.S. command on June 30. The task group was embedded with two flagships over the year: U.S. Navy destroyers USS Forrest Sherman and USS James E. Williams.
Skills and values learned in the Navy are similar to those found in El Monte.
“Growing up in my hometown, we didn’t have a lot, but we knew that with hard work and dedication, we could achieve so much,” said Soltero. “Quitting was not an option.”
Soltero graduated from Mountain View High School in 2001 and joined the Navy 14 years ago.
“I joined to better myself and to be a good example for my kids,” said Soltero.
With 90 percent 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 trained sailors and a strong Navy.
As a member of the Navy, Soltero is part of a world-class organization focused on maintaining maritime dominance, strengthening partnerships, increasing competitive warfighting capabilities and sustaining combat-ready forces in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“Being in NATO I have learned how to work hand-in-hand with our partner nations,” said Soltero.
As a NATO afloat task group, SNMG2’s focus is on deterrence and defense against all adversaries in the maritime domain, upholding freedom of navigation, securing maritime trade routes and protecting the main lines of communication. It is a multinational integrated task group that projects a constant and visible reminder of the NATO Alliance's solidarity and cohesion afloat. This continuous maritime capability performs a wide range of tasks, including exercises and real-world operations in periods of crisis and conflict. SNMG2 is one of four Standing Naval Forces that operate under NATO Allied Maritime Command, headquartered in Northwood, United Kingdom.
Soltero has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during a military career.
“The proudest moment in my naval career was the day they announced that I made first class,” said Soltero. “This was a huge milestone for me.”
As Soltero and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the navy means everything to me,” said Soltero. “The Navy saved my life, and I would do anything for my country.”
“Being in NATO I have learned how to work hand-in-hand with our partner nations,” said Soltero.
As a NATO afloat task group, SNMG2’s focus is on deterrence and defense against all adversaries in the maritime domain, upholding freedom of navigation, securing maritime trade routes and protecting the main lines of communication. It is a multinational integrated task group that projects a constant and visible reminder of the NATO Alliance's solidarity and cohesion afloat. This continuous maritime capability performs a wide range of tasks, including exercises and real-world operations in periods of crisis and conflict. SNMG2 is one of four Standing Naval Forces that operate under NATO Allied Maritime Command, headquartered in Northwood, United Kingdom.
Soltero has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during a military career.
“The proudest moment in my naval career was the day they announced that I made first class,” said Soltero. “This was a huge milestone for me.”
As Soltero and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the navy means everything to me,” said Soltero. “The Navy saved my life, and I would do anything for my country.”