GULFPORT, Miss. — Petty Officer 1st Class Mario Martino, a native of Medford, New York, serves in the U.S. Navy assigned to Naval Construction Training Center in Gulfport, Mississippi, home to the Atlantic Fleet Seabees.
Martino graduated from Patchogue-Medford High School in 2007.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Medford.
“I learned the importance of being able to adapt,” Martino said.
Martino joined the Navy 11 years ago. Today, Martino serves as a builder.
“After 9/11, I had a strong calling to serve, so when I graduated from high school I decided to join,” Martino said. “I also wanted to have a good job that allowed me to provide for my family.”
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.
Martino has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I'm proud of the rank I've made so far,” Martino said. “I enjoy being a builder, and being able to move up in this career means that I can make my mom and dad proud of me.”
Martino 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 offers a great deal of pride,” Martino said. “It's all about living our core values of honor, courage and commitment that makes up our everyday lifestyle.”
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.
Martino is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my wife, Valentina, and our daughters, Liliana, Adriana, and Viviana, for being my motivation every single day,” Martino said.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hunter Harwell, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Martino graduated from Patchogue-Medford High School in 2007.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Medford.
“I learned the importance of being able to adapt,” Martino said.
Martino joined the Navy 11 years ago. Today, Martino serves as a builder.
“After 9/11, I had a strong calling to serve, so when I graduated from high school I decided to join,” Martino said. “I also wanted to have a good job that allowed me to provide for my family.”
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.
Martino has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I'm proud of the rank I've made so far,” Martino said. “I enjoy being a builder, and being able to move up in this career means that I can make my mom and dad proud of me.”
Martino 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 offers a great deal of pride,” Martino said. “It's all about living our core values of honor, courage and commitment that makes up our everyday lifestyle.”
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.
Martino is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my wife, Valentina, and our daughters, Liliana, Adriana, and Viviana, for being my motivation every single day,” Martino said.