SAN DIEGO - Master Chief Petty Officer Long Lam, a native of Houston, Texas, serves aboard USS Abraham Lincoln, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier operating out of San Diego, California.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Joseph Sitter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West |
Lam graduated from Alief Hastings High School in 2005. Additionally, Lam is studying for a bachelor’s degree in computer networks and cybersecurity through the University of Maryland Global Campus.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Houston.
“Growing up, I learned to understand that there are multiple beliefs and ways to do business,” Lam said. “Not one is right, but if we work together, we can accomplish a lot.”
Lam joined the Navy 16 years ago. Today, Lam serves as an avionics technician.
“My dad visited a wise man in Seattle, and he told him the oldest child would be general, the middle would be a banker and the youngest would be a CEO, so that made him push us in those directions,” Lam said. “I joined Junior ROTC in high school, and that gave me a small background on the military lifestyle. The Navy recruiter was from the same school district I was.”
Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of America’s Naval forces. For more than 100 years, they have projected power, sustained sea control, bolstered deterrence, provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and maintained enduring commitments worldwide.
According to Navy officials, aircraft carriers are versatile and have unique mission capabilities that make them a more strategic asset for the Navy than fixed-site bases. They are often the first response in a global crisis because of their ability to operate freely in international waters anywhere on the world’s oceans. In addition, no other weapon system can deploy and operate forward with a full-sized aircraft carrier’s speed, endurance, agility and combat capability of its air wing.
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
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.
Lam has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of making master chief in 15 years,” Lam said. “It started as a challenge with my former chief, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Will Rexroth. I ran into him after I made chief, and he gave me some guidance. He made master chief in 16 or 18 years, and I joked that I would beat his time. Now, I use this story to share with others about the possibilities available when the right attitude and work ethic are applied, with a little sacrifice as well.”
Lam serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means setting an example for my children,” Lam said. “I’m serving the nation that gave my parents an opportunity to raise a family. My parents were always working to support our family. I wanted to instill that into my children, that hard work pays off and that you’ve got to support the family. Family is the root of success for most people. There’s going to be some sacrifice, but it’s all for the greater good of the family.”
Lam is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my wife, Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Angeli Ancho, for being my foundation and getting me on the fast track,” Lam added. “She told me what to focus on in my career. She’s been a mentor to me as well. We balance each other. I also want to thank retired Chief Warrant Officer 4 Tim Wheeler, retired Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Ernest Black, Senior Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Terry West and Chief Warrant Officer 4 Will Rexroth, who were all at my first command, USS Harry S. Truman, for their mentorship and guidance in helping me become who I am today.”