PORT HUENEME, Calif. — Capt. Michael Merino, Civil Engineer Corps, United States Navy, a native of Orange, Calif., assigned to the Seabees of the 9th Naval Construction Regiment is currently serving at Port Hueneme, Calif., in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Merino attended Victor Valley High School and California State Polytechnic University at Pomona and is the son of Michael and Rita Merino, Victorville, Calif.
Merino departed from the Navy Operational Support Center in San Diego in early July of 2009 to complete an eight-month deployment to Port Hueneme.
Merino's job as the regiments' Operations Officer includes the management of more than 3,500 active and reserve Seabees in more than seven Naval Construction Force units throughout the Pacific and Western United States.
Merino, who's been in the Navy more than 21 years, says he feels proud to be part of an event that is making history.
"Whether in Afghanistan, Iraq or the Pacific, I am proud to play my part in the efforts that ensure this nation's defense and the safety of its citizens," said Merino.
Seabees bring a broad range of technical and military skills which, in combination, provide a unique capability to the engineering mission. In addition to construction, these essential capabilities include robust organic support functions such as logistics, maintenance and communications.