GULFPORT, Miss. — Petty Officer 2nd Class Lynette Delatorre, a native of Imperial Beach, California, serves in the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Construction Group 2 in Gulfport, Mississippi, home to the Atlantic Fleet Seabees.
Delatorre graduated from Marvista High School in 2021.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Imperial Beach.
“Sports and family taught me that everything is about the team,” Delatorre said. “Being heavily involved in sports and having strong family values helped build who I am. In the Navy, those lessons translate perfectly because success is all about teamwork and providing mentorship for junior sailors.”
Delatorre joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Delatorre serves as a construction mechanic.
“I joined to gain independence and build a disciplined future,” Delatorre said. “Originally, I wanted to work in a shipyard, but after hearing about the Seabees, I knew that was the path for me. I wanted to grow as an independent person and find the discipline to set and achieve my own goals.”
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.
Delatorre has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I'm proud of earning my Navy Achievement Medal (NAM) and the opportunity to travel to Norway,” Delatorre said. “I’m incredibly proud of receiving my end-of-tour NAM for ensuring everything was done correctly and on time, all during my last command.”
Delatorre serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving means having a purpose and being a dependable leader,” Delatorre said. “To me, serving means having a clear goal–to be a proper leader and stay dependable for my team. It’s about using the skills I’ve gained to give back to those who need assistance.”
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.
Delatorre is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I wouldn't be where I am today without my family and my Chiefs Mess,” Delatorre said. “I want to thank my mom, Evelyn Castaneda, my stepdad, Michael Pedroza, and especially my little sister, Alyssa Garcia, who has always been my key motivator. I also owe so much to my entire Chiefs Mess. Without their guidance, I wouldn't be the person I am now.”
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hunter Harwell, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Delatorre graduated from Marvista High School in 2021.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Imperial Beach.
“Sports and family taught me that everything is about the team,” Delatorre said. “Being heavily involved in sports and having strong family values helped build who I am. In the Navy, those lessons translate perfectly because success is all about teamwork and providing mentorship for junior sailors.”
Delatorre joined the Navy four years ago. Today, Delatorre serves as a construction mechanic.
“I joined to gain independence and build a disciplined future,” Delatorre said. “Originally, I wanted to work in a shipyard, but after hearing about the Seabees, I knew that was the path for me. I wanted to grow as an independent person and find the discipline to set and achieve my own goals.”
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.
Delatorre has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I'm proud of earning my Navy Achievement Medal (NAM) and the opportunity to travel to Norway,” Delatorre said. “I’m incredibly proud of receiving my end-of-tour NAM for ensuring everything was done correctly and on time, all during my last command.”
Delatorre serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving means having a purpose and being a dependable leader,” Delatorre said. “To me, serving means having a clear goal–to be a proper leader and stay dependable for my team. It’s about using the skills I’ve gained to give back to those who need assistance.”
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.
Delatorre is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I wouldn't be where I am today without my family and my Chiefs Mess,” Delatorre said. “I want to thank my mom, Evelyn Castaneda, my stepdad, Michael Pedroza, and especially my little sister, Alyssa Garcia, who has always been my key motivator. I also owe so much to my entire Chiefs Mess. Without their guidance, I wouldn't be the person I am now.”