MILLINGTON, Tenn. — Chief Petty Officer Romeo Lorica, a native of Jacksonville, Florida, serves aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Hamilton, where Lorica serves as a quartermaster and supports safe navigation and operational readiness across the fleet.
Lorica graduated from St. Columban’s High School in 1986 and later earned a bachelor’s degree in electronics and communication engineering from Central Colleges of the Philippines in 1992.
With 19 years of service in the Navy, Lorica said the decision to join was shaped by opportunity, family legacy and a desire for growth.
“I joined the U.S. Navy for many reasons,” Lorica said. “Adventure, traveling to different places around the world, gaining valuable job skills, securing educational benefits like the GI Bill, serving and protecting the country, and finding a sense of belonging in a global, high-tech environment.”
Lorica also said family influence played a key role.
“I followed in the footsteps of my two uncles on my mother’s side, who both served as chief petty officers in the U.S. Navy,” Lorica said.
Growing up, Lorica said lessons from home became foundational throughout a Navy career.
“From my hometown, I carried lessons of resilience, discipline, a strong work ethic, teamwork, humility and finding joy in small things,” Lorica said. “Learning how to balance personal well-being with contributing to the greater good has been vital for meeting mission requirements.”
Lorica’s Navy career includes service in both the Reserve and active-duty components, as well as multiple overseas deployments.
“I served 19 years as a reservist and seven years on active duty, including four deployments to Djibouti, Africa, and one year in Sasebo, Japan,” Lorica said. “It was the best decision I ever made. The Navy gave me direction in life, valuable high-tech skills and helped shape who I am today.”
One of Lorica’s proudest accomplishments came through perseverance and determination.
“One of my proudest moments was being promoted to chief petty officer,” Lorica said. “It almost didn’t happen because of a paperwork error, and I was removed from my E-4 advancement exam at one point due to a citizenship issue. Overcoming that challenge made the achievement even more meaningful.”
Serving in the Navy continues to carry deep significance.
“Serving in the Navy means dedication to a mission beyond oneself,” Lorica said. “It means living the core values of honor, courage and commitment, building lifelong bonds with shipmates, gaining unique skills, and answering the call to protect our nation’s interests at sea.”
When asked who Lorica would like to recognize back home, family remained central.
“I want to thank my family and friends for their love and sacrifices,” Lorica said. “My parents, my spouse, my children, my grandchild Matheo, my aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and neighbors. Their encouragement helps me stay strong, even when I’m far away or overseas.”
According to Navy officials, USS Hamilton conducts maritime security operations, forward presence and warfighting missions in support of national and allied interests around the globe.
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contributions to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence.
According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and internet access relying on secure undersea fiber-optic cables, Navy leaders emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the country.
Lorica graduated from St. Columban’s High School in 1986 and later earned a bachelor’s degree in electronics and communication engineering from Central Colleges of the Philippines in 1992.
With 19 years of service in the Navy, Lorica said the decision to join was shaped by opportunity, family legacy and a desire for growth.
“I joined the U.S. Navy for many reasons,” Lorica said. “Adventure, traveling to different places around the world, gaining valuable job skills, securing educational benefits like the GI Bill, serving and protecting the country, and finding a sense of belonging in a global, high-tech environment.”
Lorica also said family influence played a key role.
“I followed in the footsteps of my two uncles on my mother’s side, who both served as chief petty officers in the U.S. Navy,” Lorica said.
Growing up, Lorica said lessons from home became foundational throughout a Navy career.
“From my hometown, I carried lessons of resilience, discipline, a strong work ethic, teamwork, humility and finding joy in small things,” Lorica said. “Learning how to balance personal well-being with contributing to the greater good has been vital for meeting mission requirements.”
Lorica’s Navy career includes service in both the Reserve and active-duty components, as well as multiple overseas deployments.
“I served 19 years as a reservist and seven years on active duty, including four deployments to Djibouti, Africa, and one year in Sasebo, Japan,” Lorica said. “It was the best decision I ever made. The Navy gave me direction in life, valuable high-tech skills and helped shape who I am today.”
One of Lorica’s proudest accomplishments came through perseverance and determination.
“One of my proudest moments was being promoted to chief petty officer,” Lorica said. “It almost didn’t happen because of a paperwork error, and I was removed from my E-4 advancement exam at one point due to a citizenship issue. Overcoming that challenge made the achievement even more meaningful.”
Serving in the Navy continues to carry deep significance.
“Serving in the Navy means dedication to a mission beyond oneself,” Lorica said. “It means living the core values of honor, courage and commitment, building lifelong bonds with shipmates, gaining unique skills, and answering the call to protect our nation’s interests at sea.”
When asked who Lorica would like to recognize back home, family remained central.
“I want to thank my family and friends for their love and sacrifices,” Lorica said. “My parents, my spouse, my children, my grandchild Matheo, my aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and neighbors. Their encouragement helps me stay strong, even when I’m far away or overseas.”
According to Navy officials, USS Hamilton conducts maritime security operations, forward presence and warfighting missions in support of national and allied interests around the globe.
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contributions to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence.
According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and internet access relying on secure undersea fiber-optic cables, Navy leaders emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the country.