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.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Rahmel Gonzalez, a native of Jersey City, New Jersey, is one of these sailors serving at Maritime Security Squadron 2 which is responsible for protecting the Navy’s maritime platforms and port infrastructure.
Gonzalez graduated from Snyder High School in 2018.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Jersey City.
“My hometown instilled a strong work ethic in me,” said Gonzalez. “Growing up playing baseball taught me valuable lessons about knowing your position, hard work and teamwork.”
Gonzalez joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Gonzalez serves as an engineman.
“I joined the Navy because during the COVID-19 pandemic there weren't any jobs available,” said Gonzalez. “Instead of sitting around, I wanted to earn an income and do something that would add value to my life.”
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.
Gonzalez 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."
Gonzalez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is receiving my Seabee Combat Warfare Pin,” said Gonzalez. “To earn the pin, I had to demonstrate proficiency in naval heritage, doctrine, command, hazardous material safety, logistics, communications and other skills needed in the Navy. It is somewhat rare to have this pin at an East Coast command, which makes me proud to have it.”
Gonzalez 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."
Gonzalez has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy is receiving my Seabee Combat Warfare Pin,” said Gonzalez. “To earn the pin, I had to demonstrate proficiency in naval heritage, doctrine, command, hazardous material safety, logistics, communications and other skills needed in the Navy. It is somewhat rare to have this pin at an East Coast command, which makes me proud to have it.”
Gonzalez can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy has given me an opportunity to better myself,” said Gonzalez. “It is also a great way to provide for my family members and my future kids.”
Gonzalez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank Senior Chief Petty Officer Burkes for being my first real mentor in the military,” added Gonzalez. “He took me under his wing and showed me the nuances of the Navy. I would also like to thank my good friend, Trayvon Williams, who is like an older brother to me. He has helped me grow as a person and helped me learn how to drive.”
“Serving in the Navy has given me an opportunity to better myself,” said Gonzalez. “It is also a great way to provide for my family members and my future kids.”
Gonzalez is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank Senior Chief Petty Officer Burkes for being my first real mentor in the military,” added Gonzalez. “He took me under his wing and showed me the nuances of the Navy. I would also like to thank my good friend, Trayvon Williams, who is like an older brother to me. He has helped me grow as a person and helped me learn how to drive.”