GULFPORT, Miss. — Petty Officer 1st Class Serena Lorenzo, a native of Avon, New York, serves in the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Construction Group 2 in Gulfport, Mississippi, home to the Atlantic Fleet Seabees.
Lorenzo graduated from Avon Central High School in 2012.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Avon.
“I learned the value of building lasting connections,” Lorenzo said. “Coming from a small town taught me the importance of networking. In the tight-knit Seabee community, those connections are vital. Maintaining those professional relationships can truly propel your career forward.”
Lorenzo joined the Navy 13 years ago. Today, Lorenzo serves as a builder.
“I joined to gain experience and find my path,” Lorenzo said. “I really wanted to branch out from New York and gain real-world experience. Since I wasn't ready for college yet, the Navy provided the perfect opportunity to build a career while figuring out my next steps.”
Navy Seabees, formally known as naval construction forces, provide a wide range of construction in support of operating forces, including roads, bridges, bunkers, airfields and logistics bases. Additionally, they provide responsive support for disaster recovery operations, perform civic action projects to improve relations with other nations, and provide anti-terrorism and force protection for personnel and construction projects.
Whether serving in the construction force or in a supporting role, the sailors in Gulfport personify the “Can Do” attitude of Seabees and are ready to serve and support warfighters globally.
Lorenzo has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest achievement is the opportunity to travel,” Lorenzo said. “Experiencing so many different countries and cultures has been an incredibly rewarding and eye-opening part of my Navy career.”
Lorenzo 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 is the satisfaction of seeing the results of my hard work,” Lorenzo said. “To me, serving is about the sense of accomplishment that comes from tangible results. I love working with my hands, and there is nothing more satisfying than seeing the direct impact of a job well done.”
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution 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 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.
Lorenzo is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'm grateful for my family's unwavering support,” Lorenzo said. “I want to thank my dad for always pushing me to succeed, and especially my husband and daughter for supporting me through every challenge and milestone.”
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hunter Harwell, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Lorenzo graduated from Avon Central High School in 2012.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Avon.
“I learned the value of building lasting connections,” Lorenzo said. “Coming from a small town taught me the importance of networking. In the tight-knit Seabee community, those connections are vital. Maintaining those professional relationships can truly propel your career forward.”
Lorenzo joined the Navy 13 years ago. Today, Lorenzo serves as a builder.
“I joined to gain experience and find my path,” Lorenzo said. “I really wanted to branch out from New York and gain real-world experience. Since I wasn't ready for college yet, the Navy provided the perfect opportunity to build a career while figuring out my next steps.”
Navy Seabees, formally known as naval construction forces, provide a wide range of construction in support of operating forces, including roads, bridges, bunkers, airfields and logistics bases. Additionally, they provide responsive support for disaster recovery operations, perform civic action projects to improve relations with other nations, and provide anti-terrorism and force protection for personnel and construction projects.
Whether serving in the construction force or in a supporting role, the sailors in Gulfport personify the “Can Do” attitude of Seabees and are ready to serve and support warfighters globally.
Lorenzo has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest achievement is the opportunity to travel,” Lorenzo said. “Experiencing so many different countries and cultures has been an incredibly rewarding and eye-opening part of my Navy career.”
Lorenzo 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 is the satisfaction of seeing the results of my hard work,” Lorenzo said. “To me, serving is about the sense of accomplishment that comes from tangible results. I love working with my hands, and there is nothing more satisfying than seeing the direct impact of a job well done.”
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution 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 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.
Lorenzo is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I'm grateful for my family's unwavering support,” Lorenzo said. “I want to thank my dad for always pushing me to succeed, and especially my husband and daughter for supporting me through every challenge and milestone.”