VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Lyudmila "Mila" Powell, a native of Sacramento, California, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC), part of the Navy’s expeditionary force.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Marieliza Rosales Navy Public Affairs Support Element East |
Powell graduated from Mira Loma High School in 2000.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Sacramento.
“I learned to always keep moving forward. Growing up, I learned the value of staying proactive and focusing on growth,” Powell said. "I've always kept my eye on the horizon to avoid stagnation and to continue to challenge myself. These are principles that have guided me throughout my naval career."
Powell joined the Navy 10 years ago as a hospital corpsman. Today, Powell serves as an assistant to NECC’s Chief of Staff.
“I joined the Navy for a few reasons. My father's service inspired me, and I felt a deep sense of duty and gratitude towards a nation that gave my family a second chance,” Powell said. "Serving allowed me to give back and contribute to something greater than myself."
Headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) provides oversight, training and support for the Navy’s expeditionary forces worldwide. From EOD technicians and Seabees to maritime security and logistics sailors, NECC integrates these specialized communities into a ready force capable of deploying quickly and operating wherever they’re needed. A dedicated civilian workforce stands alongside uniformed personnel, ensuring the command has the depth and expertise to keep pace with evolving missions.
NECC’s focus is clear: Arrive on Station, Stay on Station, and Sustain the Fight. By building readiness at home and enabling operations abroad, NECC ensures that expeditionary sailors are equipped, trained, and prepared to deliver when the Navy and the nation call.
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.
Powell has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I'm proudest of being able to represent the U.S. in a meaningful and compassionate way,” Powell said. "Deploying for the Pacific Partnership was a humbling experience that showed me how our efforts positively impacted the lives of our allies and helped us build stronger relationships in the region."
Powell 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 everything to me. Through my service, I discovered my voice and strong sense of identity,” Powell said. "It taught me independence and self-sufficiency, how to stand up for myself, and the importance of effectively utilizing available resources to improve not only own position but those I was also responsible for."
Powell is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“Though he is no longer with us, I'd like to thank my dad. As a fellow Sailor, he was my biggest support, and it made a world of difference to be truly understood,” Powell said. "I miss him deeply and wish I could have told him more often how much his guidance and leadership helped me."
“I was an immigrant, my family was fleeing a war-torn country and I grew up in refugee camps before coming to the United States,” Powell said. "Joining was a way to give back to the country that saved me."