GULFPORT, Miss. - Since 1942, sailors assigned to the U.S. Navy’s Construction Force have been building and fighting around the world. Constructionman Justin Zamora, a native of Walterboro, South Carolina, is one of those sailors.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jeffrey Yale |
Zamora is a steelworker currently serving with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11 at the headquarters for naval construction forces in Gulfport, Mississippi, which serves as a home base for the Atlantic Fleet Seabees.
Zamora graduated from Walterboro High School in 2023. Zamora joined the Navy one year ago.
“My grandfather was in the Air Force, my stepfather was in the Air Force, my dad planned to go into the Marines but wasn’t able to because of medical reasons and my brothers were in the Army,” said Zamora. “I had no plan other than going into the Navy. The job opportunities weren’t good at home and the Navy was my shot.”
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Walterboro.
“Growing up, I was constantly working if I wasn’t at school,” said Zamora. “I learned how to stay focused on what I’m doing. In the Navy, and especially with the Seabees, we’re constantly doing things, having that work experience helps me stay focused on the things we’re trying to do.”
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.
Zamora 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.”
Zamora has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of helping the Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society by doing work for them,” said Zamora. “In the beginning of my career, I had to get help from them because of some issues. I’m able now to pay that help back and do volunteer work with them.”
Zamora can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy gives me a chance to better myself every day,” said Zamora.
Zamora is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.“I would like to say thank you to my mom,” said Zamora.