VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – The U.S. Navy owns many large submarines, ships and aircraft carriers that need to be protected when operating at sea and close to the shore. A special group of sailors is charged with protecting these Navy investments.
 |
| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Klineizquierdo |
The Maritime Expeditionary Security Force (MESF) operates ashore, at sea and in the waters of harbors, rivers, bays and across the littorals. The primary focus of MESF is to conduct maritime security operations. They do this by providing port and harbor security as well as security for high-value units, like aircraft carriers and submarines, on coastal waterways and ashore.
Petty Officer 1st Class Lamario Doty, a native of Bossier City, Louisiana, is one of these sailors serving at Maritime Security Squadron 2, which is responsible for protecting the Navy’s maritime platforms and port infrastructure.
Doty graduated from Airline High School in 2003.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Bossier City.
“Growing up, I learned to be self-sufficient,” said Doty. “It’s important to be able to rely on yourself. You shouldn’t have to always depend on others to get things done.”
Doty joined the Navy 11 years ago. Today, Doty serves as a master-at-arms.
“I joined the Navy because I was looking to take a new path to travel around and see the world,” said Doty. “I was previously stationed in Japan and Greece. I was deployed to Guam in 2022. I’ve also visited Canada and Thailand.”
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.
Doty serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Doty has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m proud of advancing to my current rank of petty officer first class,” said Doty. “During the pandemic, I had a near-death experience with COVID. Later, I was deployed and two months into the deployment I learned that I had advanced in rank.”
Doty can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy requires faithfulness and loyalty to the mission and to others you’re serving with,” said Doty. “We have to ensure that our country is secure and protected so that everyone can live their life freely.”
Doty is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I’d like to thank my family for keeping the faith in support of the path I’ve chosen,” added Doty. “Their support means everything.”