Lawrence native serves aboard Naval Station Mayport
By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Joe Rullo, Navy Office of Community Outreach
MAYPORT, Fla. – Petty Officer 2nd Class Alberto Romero, a native of Lawrence, Massachusetts, serves aboard Naval Station (NAVSTA) Mayport in Mayport, Florida.
Romero, a 2015 graduate of Greater Lawrence Technical School, joined the Navy eight years ago.
“I joined the Navy to travel and have a strong foundation for my future,” said Romero. “Out of the seven countries I visited, Iceland was my favorite.”
Today, Romero relies upon skills and values similar to those found in Lawrence to succeed in the military.
“I learned to never give up and always treat people with respect,” said Romero. “Don’t lose focus and enjoy the journey.”
These lessons have helped Romero while serving in the Navy.
NAVSTA Mayport is one of three major Navy installations in the Jacksonville area. Mayport is home to a busy seaport as well as an air facility, and has an 8,000 ft. runway capable of handling any aircraft in DoD inventory.
The mission of NAVSTA Mayport is to sustain and enhance warfighter readiness. The Navy at Mayport covers 3,409 acres and is the third largest naval facility in the continental United States. NAVSTA Mayport is home to more than 70 tenant commands and is home to the U.S. Navy’s Fourth Fleet and the Navy’s first Triton squadron, according to Navy officials.
NAVSTA Mayport was recently selected as the 2023 recipient of the Commander in Chief’s Annual Award for Installation Excellence. Put simply, Mayport was selected as the best out of all U.S. Navy installations Fleet-wide.
With 90 percent 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 trained sailors and a strong Navy.
“Our mission remains timeless – to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy.”
Serving in the Navy means Romero is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy contributes to National Defense through our missions of patrolling the oceans and joining forces with other nations to improve foreign relations,” said Romero.
Romero and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I’m most proud of the humanitarian efforts I’ve been a part of,” said Romero. “Giving back and helping others gives me a sense of satisfaction knowing I’ve impacted the people I’ve helped.”
As Romero and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving means I get to serve with people from all walks of life,” said Romero. “I am also part of only one percent of the population of the United States who serve and would sacrifice a lot for others.”
Romero is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my parents, Jackie and Miguel, for their love and support,” said Romero. “I’d also like to thank my best friend, Roddrick Guerra, who joined the Navy the same time I did.”
“I’m the first in my family to move out of state and travel to multiple countries,” added Romero. “I am an example to my family about what’s possible.”
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