Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Hanford, CA, and I am currently stationed at NAS Lemoore.
How long have you served in the U.S. Military?
I have been serving in the United States Navy for 5 years now.
What is your current rank?
AT2 – Aviation Electronics Technician
Where have you been deployed? What was the longest deployment?
I was deployed on the USS Nimitz from April 2020 to March 2021 during Operation Inherent Resolve and Octave Quartz. We visited Guam, Oman, and Bahrain, but unfortunately, we were only allowed pier Liberty due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We were awarded a Battle E and a Navy Unit Commendation award.
What does serving in the U.S. military mean to you?:
To me being in the Navy means being a part of something much bigger than yourself, and even your command. We all put on the same uniform every day, regardless of rank, and we go out and work toward the same mission. I take a lot of pride in knowing that I’m contributing to freedom of trade, national defense, and the projection of power globally right here from home.
Lauren plans to continue serving her country after she leaves the Navy and will be attending the United States Merchant Marine Academy starting this summer. Thank you for your service to our nation Lauren, you have made the entire Valley proud!