Chief Petty Officer Lorena Morales, a native of Vista, serves the U.S. Navy assigned to the Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group operating out of Williamsburg, Virginia.
Morales graduated in 2007 from Rancho Buena Vista High School.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Vista.
“I grew up in a pretty small town where I was taught right from wrong,” Morales said. “I guess I also didn’t realize how sheltered I was growing up until I joined the Navy. But I saw that as a positive, as a way to grow into an independent thinker, who’s determined to discover all the different paths and to take on any challenge.”
Morales joined the Navy 15 years ago. Today, Morales serves as a legalman.
“Nobody in my family had ever served in the military, so my parents were anxious when they heard I wanted to join the Navy,” Morales said. “But, I was determined to not only challenge myself but also change their perception of military service, and every day in my job I get to help other Sailors and reaffirm my dedication to ensuring good order and discipline throughout the Fleet.”
Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group, headquartered in Williamsburg, Virginia, is made up of more than 3,300 personnel assigned to three regiments and seven battalions across the United States. Its mission is to deliver worldwide expeditionary logistics with active and reserve personnel to provide a wide range of supply and transportation support critical for peacetime efforts, crisis response, humanitarian and combat service missions.
Serving in the Navy means Morales is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“In 2020, I deployed aboard the USS Nimitz,” Morales said. “Throughout our deployment, we provided critical support during the troop drawdowns in Afghanistan and helped strengthen our partnerships and alliances in the Indo-Pacific areas of responsibility.”
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 trained sailors and a strong Navy.
Morales has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“One accomplishment in particular was in 2021 when I received the LATINA Style Distinguished Military Service Award, which recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of women in the military,” Morales said. “I serve for my four children, to be their role model and encourage them to reach for their dreams, and this award was extra special as I dedicated it to them. This accolade also validated my professional achievements, with only a few selected throughout the Department of Defense, I was the most junior service member bestowed with this honor.”
As Morales and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.
“Growing up, I’m thankful I had teachers like Erica Glennon who talked to me about life in the Navy and encouraged me to think outside the box,” said Morales. “I hope to encourage other young women to help find a path for them to explore, ask questions, and develop their individual strengths. Many may not even know they have choices and opportunities such as joining the Navy. I hope my nieces, who live in Vista, look up to me and see what’s possible.”
Morales is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“My husband, Ryan, is truly my everything,” Morales added. “As an active duty aviation machinist’s mate, we’re able to understand each other and I love the healthy competition we have with one another in our careers. Over the past 13 years, he has helped me prioritize my career and supported me no matter what. He is also an amazing father, and when I was deployed he took care of everything on the home front, so I had the ability to focus on the mission.”
— By Lt. Cmdr. Courtney Williams
Navy Office of Community Outreach
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