Lopez connects the world
MHS graduate serving the US Navy
Liliana Lopez’s military career has taken her far away from her hometown, but her experiences growing up in Porterville gave her the tools she needed to succeed serving her country.
The 2010 Monache High School graduate currently serves in the U.S. Navy at Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic (COMNAVSURFLANT), which is located on the largest Navy base in the world, Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Va.
Petty Officer Third Class Lopez is an information systems technician, and is one of many responsible for operating and maintaining the Navy’s satellite communications systems, mainframe computers, networks and computer systems used in the fleet.
“I like being able to talk with people from all over the world and helping people,” said Lopez. “I like being able to help sailors connect with family members back home when they are deployed.”
Lopez credits her success in the Navy to many of the lessons she learned growing up in Porterville.
“Growing up in Porterville taught me to be honest and straightforward,” said Lopez. “It’s made me more of a direct person and helped me in the Navy.”
SURFLANT was established in 1975 to provide a central East Coast command for the cruisers, destroyers, amphibious ships and other surface forces of the Navy’s Atlantic Fleet.
COMNAVSURFLANT is one of the six U.S. naval type commands. It was established in 1975 as a consolidation of the cruiser-destroyer, amphibious, and service forces of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet.
In addition to SURFLANT’S nearly 70 ships, there are special mission and fleet support units that make up the more than 100 commands of the force.
SURFLANT personnel are stationed stateside and forward deployed in Bahrain; Rota, Spain; and the Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System in Romania and Poland.
Additionally, surface forces provide a critical element to drug interdiction operations in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific.
“To go in harm’s way” in defense of the principles of freedom and democracy has been the rally call of surface force sailors for more than 200 years.
The command provides combat-ready surface forces for U.S. Fleet Forces Command and combatant commanders that are capable of conducting prompt, sustained naval, joint, and combined operations in support of United States national interests.
“I am the system administrator for the entire medical system aboard my ship,” said Lopez.
Though there are many ways for a sailor to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Lopez is most proud of learning under stress. While serving in the Navy may present many challenges, Lopez has found reward in service.
“The Navy has taught me to learn as you go,” Lopez said. “You are not always going to know the answers and you need to be open to receiving information.”