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.
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.
Cmdr. David Vitollo, a native of Coxsackie, New York, serves as the commanding officer of Maritime Security Squadron 2 which is responsible for protecting the Navy’s maritime platforms and port infrastructure.
Vitollo graduated from Grapeville Baptist Christian School in 1998. He enlisted in the Navy serving three years as an electrician’s mate before earning an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, which he graduated from in 2005.
"My father, Joseph, was in the Air Force, so I was interested in the military growing up,” said Vitollo
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Coxsackie.
“It's a small town full of hard-working people, so I learned the value of hard work,” said Vitollo. "I was looking for opportunities to contribute and work hard."
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.
Vitollo 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."
Vitollo has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I'm proud that I was part of Navy commands that won the Battle Efficiency awards,” said Vitollo. "Being part of teams that demonstrate excellence is very rewarding.”
Vitollo can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy provides an opportunity to give back to a country that has given so much to me and my family,” said Vitollo.
Vitollo is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my wife, Jaime Lawton-Vitollo, for supporting me through numerous deployments and for the sacrifices she and our family have made throughout my career,” added Vitollo. "What they do allows me to do what I do in the Navy."